Bilateral facial palsy
Two-sided or bilateral weakness of the muscles of facial expression and eye closure.
Also called: Bilateral facial muscle paralysis, Bilateral facial muscle weakness, Bilateral facial paralysis, Paralysis of both sides of the face, Weakness of both sides of the face.
Conditions associated with bilateral facial palsy
The following conditions have been associated with bilateral facial palsy in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Plectin-related limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R17
Plectin-related limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R17 is a medical condition that may be associated with various ...
neurodevelopmental disorder with achalasia, polyneuropathy, and alacrima
neurodevelopmental disorder with achalasia, polyneuropathy, and alacrima is a medical condition that may be as...
spinocerebellar ataxia type 29
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 29 (SCA29) is a rare subtype of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type I (ADCA ...
Tests providers may use to investigate bilateral facial palsy
When investigating bilateral facial palsy, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside bilateral facial palsy
Anxiety
Intense feelings of nervousness, tension, or panic often arise in response to interpersonal stresses. There is...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
Tremor
An unintentional, oscillating to-and-fro muscle movement about a joint axis....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if bilateral facial palsy is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom bilateral facial palsy mean?
Bilateral facial palsy is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Two-sided or bilateral weakness of the muscles of facial expression and eye closure.
Which conditions are associated with bilateral facial palsy?
Bilateral facial palsy has been reported in association with 3 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Plectin-related limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R17, neurodevelopmental disorder with achalasia, polyneuropathy, and alacrima, spinocerebellar ataxia type 29. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about bilateral facial palsy?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.