Oral-Ocular Synkinesis in a 21-Year Old Female Head Trauma Patient Following Facial Nerve Decompression Surgery

J Craniofac Surg. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(8):e778-e780. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007771.

Abstract

Facial synkinesis can happen as a negative event following the recovery of facial nerve paralysis. In this case report, five months after right facial nerve decompression surgery following right sided head trauma, a 21-year-old female patient developed oral-ocular synkinesis. During her attempt to voluntarily smile, she experienced uncontrolled winking of her right eye. Exercise therapy was used as a treatment modality which largely improved her facial nerve function and decreased her synkinesis. As a treatment modality, exercise therapy was used which saw a great improvement in both her facial nerve function and decreased her synkinesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Craniocerebral Trauma*
  • Decompression
  • Facial Muscles
  • Facial Nerve
  • Facial Paralysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Synkinesis* / etiology
  • Young Adult