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Facial Nerve Paralysis

The facial nerve, or the nerve which leads to movement of the muscles of the face, can cease to function for a variety of reasons. Paralysis can result from trauma, severe ear infections, or from certain tumors. If a specific cause cannot be found, often the term used to describe the facial nerve weakness is Bell's Palsy. Inflammation of the nerve in this case is often thought to result from a viral infection. It is important that the various potential causes of facial nerve paralysis be examined and treated promptly.