Handout

Facial Nerves and Muscles

Therapy Insights Member Exclusive
Print Resource — US Letter — 3 pages

Population:

Adult

Discipline:

OTSLP

Diagnosis:

Brain InjuryMotor Speech/Dysarthria/ApraxiaStroke

References:

  • Cobo, J. L., Solé-Magdalena, A., Menéndez, I., de Vicente, J. C., & Vega, J. A. (2017). Connections between the facial and trigeminal nerves: Anatomical basis for facial muscle proprioception. JPRAS Open, 12, 9-18.
  • Khan, A. J., Szczepura, A., Palmer, S., Bark, C., Neville, C., Thomson, D., … & Nduka, C. (2022). Physical therapy for facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy): An updated and extended systematic review of the evidence for facial exercise therapy. Clinical Rehabilitation, 36(11), 1424-1449.
  • Kim, I., Kim, Y., Kang, D., Jung, J., Kim, S., Rim, H., … & Yeo, S. G. (2021). Neuropeptides Involved in Facial Nerve Regeneration. Biomedicines, 9(11), 1575.
  • Adkins, W. Y., & Osguthorpe, J. D. (1991). Management of trauma of the facial nerve. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 24(3), 587-611.

This handout provides a general explanation for patients and family members to understand and visualize the nerves and muscles involved in facial sensations and movements. This printable handout is for occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists working with adult patients, covering Brain Injury, Motor Speech/Dysarthria/Apraxia and Stroke. Print Resource, US Letter, 3 pages. Members can view and print it.

Use this resource when a patient, family, or colleague asks:

  • What facial exercises target specific muscles for facial weakness?
  • How do I explain prognosis and recovery of facial nerve damage to patients?
  • What cranial nerves control facial movement and sensation after stroke or Bell palsy?

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