Facial Paralysis

[gman100]

Hello, I had surgery for a pilocytic astrocytoma about 7 months ago. In case it is helpful it was located in my cerebellum, pushing on my 4th ventricle/brain stem, about 5.8cm by 1.2cm in size.  After surgery I had double vision and a palsy on the left side of my face. My double vision continues to improve but has plateaued dramatically in the last 2 months, remaining far from perfect. The facial paralysis has hardly improved, I'm not even quite sure it's gotten any better after 7 months even though I look for it. I've gotten all sorts of different expectations from doctors and wonder what to expect if anybody can add to it. Thank you!

[gman100]

I actually seen two N.O.'s, one said what I just said and the other one pretty much said "It will or won't come back". They didn't really say what to look for or anything in term of follow-ups. I guess it's time to go back and ask the pertinent questions so I'm not so much in the dark. I got the impression that it's kind of a wait-and-see type thing.

[rumpled]

Hmm - did the N.O. give you a time frame, anything to look for, or anything to do as far as drops or even a follow up appointment? Some docs are not very... forthcoming.

I hope the other guy/gal gives you more information. Let us know.

[gman100]

I did see a neuro-opthamologist and for the most part he just said, "It should come back". I'm going to go see a facial paralysis specialist in about 2-3 weeks though, see if he gives me any good news.

[rumpled]

Have you seen a neuro-opthomologist or a eye specialist that deals with brain tumor patients?
Some nerves will recover but... since it occurred with the surgery, it sounds like the nerve was impacted during the surgery.
Hopefully someone else will chime in but I would go get another opinion.