We have found that Botox is an effective way to help patient’s with partial facial paralysis and synkinesis.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) November 28, 2013
An article published October 27, 2013 on TheHindu.com describes pistol shooter Prakash Nanjappa’s first international shooting medal since he was afflicted with Bell’s palsy in July. According to renowned Bell’s palsy expert Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, Bell’s palsy is a condition that comes on suddenly and causes facial paralysis on one side of the face.
"While the paralysis caused by Bell’s palsy is usually temporary, there can be lingering effects, and for ashooter whose career relies on his ability to see clearly, this had to be a frightening diagnosis," explained Dr. Babak Azizzadeh.
In fact, Nanjappa does admit he is still suffering from dry eyes, which is common as facial paralysis often inhibits the ability to close the eyes completely. He says he is not fully recovered yet, but this recent win gives him hope for his future as a shooter. Dr. Azizzadeh says that the improvements he has made so far are encouraging.
"When a Bell’s palsy patient recovers as quickly as Prakash Nanjappa has, it is likely that he will experience a full recovery. For those who do not experience a full recovery, there are treatment options," said Dr. Azizzadeh.
At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, Dr. Azizzadeh and his team commonly treat patients with Bell’s palsy using a variety of cutting-edge treatments. Some of the most common treatments are physical therapy to regain facial muscle movement, Botox injections to improve facial symmetry and appearance, and selective neurolysis to restore the smile and improve synkinesis.
"We have found that Botox is an effective way to help patient’s with partial facial paralysis and synkinesis. Botox calms the muscles that are hyperactive to give the face a more balanced appearance as the patient recovers. Depending on the individual patient, selective neurolysis may also be a good option for restoring facial animation," explained Bell’s palsy expert Dr. Azizzadeh.
Since his extensive and prestigious training at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Azizzadeh has helped hundreds of people with varying degrees of facial paralysis. Dr. Azizzadeh is the director of the Facial Paralysis Institute and one of the leading figures in the field of Facial Nerve Paralysis. Dr. Azizzadeh has been recognized for his work on several occasions, and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and countless other media outlets.
Dr. Azizzadeh is trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Head & Neck Surgery, giving him a distinctive insight into facial nerve function and facial aesthetics. Dr. Azizzadeh also has extensive training in microsurgical facial reconstruction, which is often required for the treatment of people who are born with facial paralysis.
For more information, contact the Facial Paralysis Institute at (310) 657-2203.