I was wondering what could be done about nerve damage? i had a large brain tumor removed 2 years ago. i lost my hearing in my right ear. the hardest part is that i cannot move the right side of my face. i had a weight put in my right eye lid to help me bl

The : The facial nerve (also called "cranial nerve seven" or "cranial nerve vii") is the nerve that moves the muscles in the face. There is one for each side of the face. If facial paralysis is caused by damage to the facial nerve on one side of the face, there are several options available. These options include using another working nerve on the damaged side, or connecting part of the facial nerve on the good side to the damaged side of the face. The number of options and techniques used is steadily growing, largely due to the knowledge gained in an effort to repair injuries sustained in modern warfare. A discussion with a plastic surgeon is a first step.

Facial : Facial nerve injury may occur secondary to tumor, surgery, or bell's palsy, which is a viral syndrome. Functional and aesthetic changes occur from loss of the motor function of the facial nerve and autonomic function of the facial nerve (innervation to parotid salivary gland). Major symptoms include inability to raise the brow (frontalis muscle), inability to close the eye fully (orbicularis occuli muscle), inability to smile or raise the lip (zygomatic and levator muscles of the cheek), and inability to tightly close the mouth (orbilularis oris muscle). In patient s with bell's palsy, it is common that the nerves regrowing into the tear gland get "confused", resulting in crocodile tears (the eye starts tearing at the smell of food). The best and most complicated treatment is nerve grafting, where functional nerves are attched from the base of the brain or functional muscles on the other side of the face.To the non-fuctioning muscles. This generally musct be done in the firat year after the injury. As the involved muscles undergo a pricess known as denervation atrophy. The second most effective surgery is muscle trasfer and use of a gold implant. Slips of functioning muscle that don't depend on the facial nerve for function are transfered to the non-functioning muscles. This can be done for blink (temporalis muscle), and smile (temporalis msucle). The gold weight helps to lose the eye, as the muscle that opens the eye is still intact (levator occuli). Other procedures can help the aesthetic complications. These include browlift, facelift, fat transfer, and relaxation of the opposing side of the face with botx cosmetic. I would recommend that you seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this area.

Your : Your nerve deficit is apparently due to the brain surgery where the seventh cranial nerve center or its neurons were damaged. The injury is likely permanent after 2 years now, but reconstruction may be available to provide better static symmetry, and in some cases, dynamic symmetry. This involves staged procedures in some cases. Best to seek a reconstructive surgeon with expertise in these types of cases.

After : After a year has passed the local muscles have significantly atrophied that they are generally considered not useful for re-inervation. However, other muscles that remain innervated can be transferred to substitute for smiling. This may require you to think about clenching your teeth to smile and it does take some getting used to but it can be a reasonable option to provide dynamic movement. Methods of achieving static suspension may also provide some relief. There is also the possibility of transferring muscles to the face with nerve supply from the opposite normal side. Occasionally, when the muscles on the normal side create too much of a distraction they can be weakened with Botox to provide improved symmetry. There are many options and you should meet with a specialist.