New Findings Related to Bell’s Palsy Suggest a Narrow Facial Nerve Canal Could Be a Risk Factor for the Mysterious Condition
Nov 17, 2012 - 10:19:03 AM
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Babak Azizzadeh, director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, says that a new study profiling sixteen individuals afflicted with Bell’s palsy could lead to a greater understanding of the disorders origin.
The more we’re able to understand the facial nerve canal, the better chance we as professionals will have at providing patients with the best treatment and care.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) November 16, 2012
According to a new study published by Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, inflammation of the facial nerve resulting in Bell’s palsy may have a possible correlation with a shorter facial nerve canal in the paralyzed side of the face. Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, an expert facial paralysis surgeon in Beverly Hills, believes that this new development is critical in understanding the ailment.
“Bell’s palsy is still not entirely understood, which is why research is so important. This is a remarkable new development surrounding the condition and could vary well lead to a vaster understanding of what causes Bell’s palsy in the first place,” said Dr. Azizzadeh.
The research, which profiled sixteen patients diagnosed with the condition, was built upon initial studies that reported the dimensions of the facial nerve canal using computed tomography, better known as a CT scan. The study aimed to shed further light on the cross-sectional area of the facial nerve canal, which has not undergone extensive testing in the past. Researchers used computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction to produce images in which the facial nerve canal could be measured.
“Using a CT scan alongside multiplanar reconstruction provides a much more advanced and accurate image for measurement purposes. A CT scan provides us with a flat view, while multiplanar reconstruction allows doctors to put together a more accurate depiction,” said Dr. Azizzadeh.
After compiling the images, the study found that in all sixteen cases, two of the three measurement techniques performed showed that the cross-sectional facial nerve canal area was significantly smaller on the paralyzed side of the face, as opposed to the functioning side, leading the research team to believe that a shorter facial nerve canal may be a risk factor for contracting the condition.
“The more we’re able to understand the facial nerve canal, the better chance we as professionals will have at providing patients with the best treatment and care,” said Dr. Azizzadeh.
Dr. Azizzadeh is the director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills and is one of the leading figures in the field of facial nerve paralysis world wide. Since his extensive and prestigious training at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Azizzadeh has helped hundreds of people with varying degrees of facial paralysis and Bell’s Palsy over come their condition with both surgical and non-surgical techniques. Dr. Azizzadeh is trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Head & Neck Surgery, giving him a distinctive insight into facial nerve function and facial aesthetics.
If you would like to learn more about Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis, please contact the Facial Paralysis Institute by calling (310) 657-2203. Additional information may also be obtained by visiting http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com.
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