When patients with acute facial paralysis visit emergency rooms or health care facilities, they often incorrectly assume that they’re experiencing stroke. By referring them to RUSH, physicians can ensure that patients receive the care they need to intervene early and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Patients who develop acute facial paralysis need timely diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent long-term facial weakness, deformity, involuntary facial movements and functional limitation. Early medical therapy improves outcomes; however, there are now time-sensitive surgical options available to patients with isolated facial nerve paralysis.
What sets RUSH apart?
RUSH University Medical Center’s Acute Facial Paralysis Program is among the most comprehensive facial nerve treatment programs in the Midwest. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked RUSH’s Ear, Nose & Throat Program best in Illinois and among the best in the nation.
At RUSH:
- Acute facial paralysis patients are seen within 72 hours of initial contact.
- Highly specialized, world-class facial nerve surgeons provide expert diagnosis and treatment.
- Patients transition into our renowned Facial Nerve Disorders and Rehabilitation Program forcontinued multidisciplinary care, support and monitoring of their recovery.
- We provide a team approach to care for patients in need of coordinated services withneurology, neurosurgery, neurotology, facial plastic surgery, ophthalmology, head and neckoncology, psychology and speech therapy.
Who can RUSH’s acute facial paralysis team treat?
RUSH treats patients for all causes of acute facial nerve paralysis, including those diagnosed with:
- Bell’s Palsy
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Lyme disease-related facial palsy
- Pregnancy-associated acute facial palsy
- Traumatic nerve injury
- Autoimmune/vaccination associated acutefacial palsy
- Stroke associated facial paralysis
- Latrogenic facial nerve injury
