When a crash injures the facial nerve, protect your eye first
An ear, nose and throat surgeon on facial nerve injury and eye protection
The facial nerve controls the muscles that close your eye, form a smile and shape your expressions. A skull fracture or a deep cut on the face can damage it. Weakness may start right away or show up once swelling sets in. [1]
The first thing to check is whether the eye on that side can close and blink. An eye that stays open can dry out and get damaged. An ear, nose and throat specialist or a facial nerve specialist examines the injury and plans your next visits. [1]
Get both the nerve and the eye checked
Ask whether the weakness likely comes from a fracture, a cut nerve or something else. Find out if your eyelid closes all the way while you sleep. Ask if an eye doctor should examine your cornea, the clear front of the eye. [1, 2]
Request a clear plan for keeping the eye moist and protecting it overnight. A watery eye can still be a dry eye. Get prompt eye care for new redness, pain or a drop in vision. [1, 2]
Watch your progress, gently
Keep notes on eye closing, smiling, talking, eating and sensitivity to sound. Ask when the nerve will be checked again. Find out whether tests or surgery are being considered. [1, 2]
Therapy from a facial specialist may help later on. Don’t copy forceful facial exercise videos while the cause and stage of the injury are unclear. Protecting your eye and keeping your appointments are better first steps. [1, 2]
When a drooping face is an emergency
Sudden drooping of the face can be an emergency, even after a crash. Get emergency care if it comes with arm weakness, trouble speaking or other sudden brain symptoms. Don’t assume every new change in your face comes from the injury you know about. Tell the emergency team when the change began. [3]
Questions for the facial nerve team
- What caused the weakness, and is my eye fully protected?
- When should the nerve be checked again?
- Do I need to see an eye specialist or a facial therapist?
Practice your eye care before you leave
Sources and further reading
- 1Facial Palsy UK head trauma and facial nerve injury
- 2Facial Palsy UK dry eye advice
- 3NHS stroke symptoms
This article gives general information from an ear, nose and throat surgery perspective. Sudden weakness in the face can also be a sign of stroke. Get emergency care for new weakness that comes with other brain or nerve symptoms.
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