Wir überwinden Grenzen

The Interdisciplinary Facial Nerve Center at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg brings together multidisciplinary expertise in the treatment of facial nerve paralysis

It comes as a real shock to those affected: People with facial nerve paralysis often suddenly find they can no longer move their facial muscles properly. Smiling, drinking, or closing their eyes becomes impossible or extremely difficult. At the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, they now have a central point of contact: The newly established interdisciplinary Facial Nerve Center brings together the expertise of all key medical disciplines and provides patients with individually tailored, highly specialized treatment. Diagnostics, treatment planning, and both surgical and non-surgical treatments will be coordinated jointly and discussed in specialized case conferences.

“Facial nerve paralysis, also known as facial palsy, is usually very distressing for those affected,” says Dr. Jakob Weiß, spokesperson for the Facial Nerve Center and senior physician in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. “By pooling our expertise in the new Facial Nerve Center, we can systematically evaluate even complex cases and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.”

Facial nerve palsy involves damage to the facial nerve, which is responsible, among other things, for the movement of the facial muscles. Those affected are often no longer able to smile, frown, or close their eyes completely. Possible causes include inflammation of the nerve, such as from viral infections, as well as injuries, circulatory disorders, or neurological diseases. In many cases, the paralysis occurs suddenly, often overnight. While the facial nerve recovers within months in most patients, a small proportion remain completely paralyzed. “In these cases, we can help those affected with surgery, thereby restoring facial expressions or eyelid closure,” says Weiß.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Medical Center – University of Freiburg is one of Europe’s most experienced centers for complex microsurgical reconstruction procedures. At the new center, specialists from plastic surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and otolaryngology work closely together. The range of treatments extends from physical therapy and minimally invasive procedures to highly complex microsurgical interventions—with the goal of restoring functions such as facial expressions and secure eyelid closure as effectively as possible. At the same time, the already extensive research in the field of facial nerve reconstruction and facial nerve palsy is to be further expanded.

Quality of life regained through targeted procedures

From one day to the next, Anna M. could no longer move the right side of her face properly. Drinking was difficult for her, and smiling was barely possible. When the paralysis—unlike in many patients—did not subside after two years, she turned to the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. The cause of the paralysis could not be determined. In a microsurgical procedure, the physicians at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg first transplanted a muscle from her thigh into her cheek to restore movement of the corner of her mouth. Additional surgeries on her eye helped alleviate symptoms such as irritation and problems with eyelid closure. “Thanks to this treatment, I can smile again. It has given me back a great deal of my quality of life,” says Anna M.