Upper motor neuron facial palsy, also known as central facial palsy or corticobulbar palsy, is a type of facial paralysis that occurs due to damage or dysfunction in the upper motor neurons. The upper motor neurons are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses from the brain to the lower motor neurons, which then transmit signals to the facial muscles.
In upper motor neuron facial palsy, the nerve pathways that control facial movement are affected, leading to weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This condition typically results from lesions or injuries in the motor cortex of the brain, specifically the facial motor area, or along the pathway of the corticobulbar tracts. Common causes include strokes, head trauma, brain tumors, or other neurological disorders.
Symptoms of upper motor neuron facial palsy may include drooping or weakness of the facial muscles on one side, difficulty closing the eye, forehead wrinkling on the unaffected side, and difficulty with speech and eating. Unlike lower motor neuron facial palsy, reflexes such as the corneal reflex are typically preserved in upper motor neuron palsy.
Treatment for upper motor neuron facial palsy may involve addressing the underlying cause, such as managing stroke or tumor symptoms, and rehabilitative measures like physical therapy or exercises to improve facial muscle strength and coordination. In some cases, medications or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be used to reduce muscle tightness or spasms.
