Symptom 9: Paralysis in the Face: The Unexpected Visitor
The idea of paralysis can send chills down anyone’s spine, let alone when it’s related to the face – a part of our body that we rely on for communication and expression. With ATC, this nightmare can become a reality. Known as facial palsy, it typically affects one side of the face and can range from slight weakness to total loss of muscle function.
You might first notice this when you look in the mirror and find that your smile isn’t quite as symmetrical as it used to be. Or perhaps when your blink doesn’t fully close one eye. Maybe it’s the inexplicable tears or the drooling. Each of these signs might seem harmless on their own, but together they signal something much more ominous.
Facial palsy is a result of the tumor pressing on the facial nerve, a cranial nerve that controls the muscles of the face. If ATC invades this nerve or its branches, it can disrupt the signals from the brain to the facial muscles, leading to weakness or paralysis.
The psychological impact of facial palsy can’t be understated. We humans are social creatures, and our faces are integral to that interaction. An affected person might withdraw from social situations due to embarrassment or frustration, leading to feelings of isolation. Additionally, tasks like eating, drinking, and speaking might become more challenging, leading to further distress.
Despite these challenges, people with facial palsy often find new ways to communicate and express themselves. And while this symptom might alter a person’s appearance, it doesn’t change who they are inside – a brave individual battling a formidable opponent. (9)
