Facial Nerve Problems Center - Anchorage, AKAnchorage Neurologist Doctors for Facial Nerve ProblemsType of Physician: Neurologist What is a Neurologist? A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners focus on the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The neurologist is often the primary physician but also serves as a consultant to other physicians and may render all levels of care, including the continuing care of outpatients and/or inpatients. The neurologist will often perform and interpret tests that relate to the nervous system or muscles. Specialty: Neurology Common Name: Neurologist Doctors in Anchorage * Mary Downs MD Anchorage, AlaskaAnchorage is a consolidated city-borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Anchorage has been named All-America City four times, in 1956, 1965, 1984/85, and 2002, by the National Civic League. It has also been named by Kiplinger as the most tax friendly city in the United States. Upcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's PalsyRead the Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy article » What is the facial nerve?The facial nerve is a nerve which controls the muscles on the side of the face. It allows us to show expression, smile, cry, and wink. Injury to the facial nerve causes a socially and psychologically devastating physical defect; treatment may require extensive rehabilitation or multiple procedures. The facial nerve is the seventh of the twelve cranial nerves. Everyone has two facial nerves, one for each side of the face. The facial nerve travels with the hearing nerve (the eighth cranial nerve) as it travels in and around the structures of the middle ear. It exits the front of the ear at the stylomastoid foramen (a hole in the skull base), where it then travels through the parotid gland. In the parotid gland it divides into many branches which provide motor function for the various muscles and glands of the head and neck.
What are symptoms of a facial nerve problem?Facial nerve problems may result in facial muscle paralysis, weakness, or twitching of the face; dryness of the eye or the mouth; or alteration of taste on the affected side. However, the finding of one of these symptoms does not necessarily imply a specific facial nerve problem; your physician needs to make a careful investigation in order to make a precise diagnosis.
What conditions affect the facial nerve?There are numerous causes of facial nerve disorder:
Recommended Reading Related to Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's PalsyIntroduction to Trigeminal NerualgiaPain originating in the face, or elsewhere, may be caused by an injury, an infection in a structure of the face, a nerve disorder, or it may occur for no known reason. Some common causes of facial pain include:
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a condition that is characterized by intermittent, shooting pain in the face. Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves in the head. The trigeminal nerve sends impulses of touc... Other Related Facial Nerve Problems ArticlesEmergency Contact for Anchorage
Nearby Anchorage Hospitals *North Star Behavioral Health System  Alaska Regional Hospital  Alaska VA Healthcare System  Alaska Psychiatric Institute  Children's Hospital at Providence  Providence Alaska Medical Center  Alaska Native Medical Center  Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy by Our Doctors
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