Our Services
Our services include both non-surgical and surgical individualised assessment and treatment plans. Our skilled and experienced team consists of several specialities.
Facial muscle activation and retraining
with Physiotherapist Dr Aoife McGarvey
Facial weakness leads to difficulty with blinking and smiling. Physiotherapy will focus on areas of concern and include specific individual muscle retraining to improve movement, strength and co-ordination. Neuromuscular retraining will aim to maximise the neural pathways between the brain and the facial nerve and minimise abnormal movement patterns (synkinesis). Manual therapy and stretching will reduce muscle tightness and overactivity in compensating areas. Occasionally EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) will be recommended for a small number of clients (Note: this is not advised without close professional supervision as it may interfere with natural recovery of the facial nerve).
Botox (Botulinum Toxin) injections
performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Eileen Tan-Gore
following individualised assessment and recommendation by at least one member of the Newcastle Facial Nerve Clinic. Botox works by reducing involuntary muscle movements (synkinesis), balancing facial symmetry (by injecting overactive and compensating muscles of the face in the unaffected side) and relieving muscle tightness and pain in facial muscles.
Speech and swallowing assessment and rehabilitation
with Speech Pathologist Rebecca Capper
Facial nerve injuries generally affect the ability to both speak and swallow. Speech clarity is often reduced because of impaired lip movement, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds like “p” and “b”. Weakness and poor muscle control often causes food or liquid to leak from the mouth. Targeted exercises and techniques to enhance articulation and swallowing will be provided following a detailed assessment.
Facial Surgery
by A/Prof Ryan Winters and/or Dr Eileen Tan-Gore
Surgery is sometimes required to restore facial function, for example in more severe injuries where the nerve is cut. The type of surgery depends on the severity, cause and duration of the nerve damage. Our surgeons will discuss surgical options in depth with you if it is the recommended treatment.