---
title: "Facial nerve care at Sutter Health"
description: "Our facial nerve services provide specialized treatment and rehabilitation from a multidisciplinary team for Bell’s palsy, facial paralysis and nerve injuries."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/facial-nerve-care"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Facial nerve care at Sutter Health

![Young woman hugging her mother.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/lifestyle/mother-daughter-hugging-couch-499506884.jpg?h=700&iar=0&w=1600)

# Facial nerve care

We bring together specialized teams to diagnose and treat facial nerve conditions. Whether symptoms are new or long-standing, we’re here to help you regain function, comfort and quality of life.

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

![Young woman hugging her mother.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/lifestyle/mother-daughter-hugging-couch-499506884.jpg?h=700&iar=0&w=1600)

## Why Choose Sutter?

Facial nerve conditions can affect how you move, speak, eat and connect with others. That’s why our program takes a whole-person approach, looking beyond physical symptoms to understand the full impact on your life. We care for both children and adults with conditions affecting the cranial nerve VII such as Bell’s palsy, facial paralysis, synkinesis (involuntary movements), nerve injuries and congenital disorders.

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in [neurology](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neurology), [otolaryngology (ENT)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery), facial plastic surgery and [physical therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation). Working closely together to identify underlying causes, we create a customized care plan for your needs. From advanced imaging and diagnostics to medical therapies, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, we offer leading-edge options to support your recovery.

We’re with you at every stage. We help with care coordination, provide emotional support and adjust treatments to help prevent complications. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that helps you move forward with confidence.

## Need a referral?

Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788).

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

![team-5-white-coat](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/group/team-5-white-coat1.jpg?h=1920&iar=0&w=2560)

## Facial nerve center

Led by [Dr. Gaelen Stanford-Moore](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-gaelen-b-stanfordmoore-1089981724), our San Francisco Facial Nerve Center delivers whole-person care for conditions such as Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, facial paralysis, involuntary muscle movements, facial nerve tumors or trauma, congenital conditions and facial changes after surgery.

Our team of leading-edge specialists offers comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative treatments — from medications and nerve grafts to reconstructive surgery, Botox® for unwanted movements, and facial retraining with speech and swallowing therapy.

Located at our [Clay Street Care Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/clay-street-care-center-2033541067) in Suite 501:

Call [415-600-3898](tel:14156003898)

Fax 415-369-1380

## Conditions

-   Acute and Chronic Infections
-   Bell's Palsy
-   [Ear disorders](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/ear-care)
-   [Facial nerve problems](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/facial-nerve-care)
-   [Facial Paralysis](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/facial-nerve-care)
-   Facial Problems and Injuries
-   Facial Trauma
-   [Head and neck cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-cancer)
-   Inflammation Disease
-   Nerve Tumors
-   [Skin cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/skin-cancer)

## Diagnostics

-   Blood test
-   CT scan
-   EMG Guided Neurotoxin Injection
-   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
-   Nerve Conduction Studies
-   Ultrasound

## Treatments

-   EMG Guided Neurotoxin Injection
-   Eye Muscle Surgery
-   Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
-   Medication Assisted Treatment
-   Nerve repair
-   Nerve Surgery
-   Non-Cosmetic Botox Injections
-   [Physical therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation)
-   Psychosocial Medicine
-   [Speech and language therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/speech-and-language-therapy)
-   Surgical Procedures
-   Tumor Removal

## Related services

-   [Head and neck cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-cancer)
-   [Head and neck oncologic surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery)
-   [Integrative chronic pain management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/integrative-chronic-pain-management)
-   [Neuroscience](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neuroscience)
-   [Reconstructive plastic surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/reconstructive-plastic-surgery)

## Frequently asked questions

**What facial nerve specialists will I see during my visit?**

You may be evaluated by a team that includes:

-   [Otolaryngologists](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/head-neck-oncologic-surgery) (Ear, nose and throat specialists)
-   Facial plastic and [reconstructive surgeons](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/reconstructive-plastic-surgery)
-   Neurotologists (Ear surgeons)
-   [Physical therapists](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation) who specialize in facial movement
-   Eye surgeons (if needed)
-   Others clinicians depending on your care

Not all providers will be present at your initial consultation, but they work together to provide care. 

**How do you check facial nerve function?**

We look at how your facial nerves are working using a combination of:

-   A physical exam
-   High-quality imaging like [MRI or CT scans](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/imaging)
-   Photos and videos to track changes
-   Questionnaires to understand your symptoms and progress

**Can facial nerve function get better on its own?**

In some conditions, facial nerve weakness can improve. Every case is different, so we tailor care to you. Check-ins and early therapy can speed up recovery and prevent issues like synkinesis.

**What is synkinesis, and can it be treated?**

Synkinesis is when one part of your face moves without meaning to like your eye closing when you smile. It happens when nerves grow back in a way that mixes up signals and can be managed with:

-   Targeted physical therapy
-   Botox injections
-   In some cases, surgery

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