{"id":3737,"date":"2025-03-06T13:57:18","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T13:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/?p=3737"},"modified":"2026-02-26T19:13:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:13:53","slug":"synkinesis-after-facial-paralysis-warning-signs-mechanisms-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/en\/sincinesias-apos-a-paralisia-facial-sinais-de-alerta-mecanismos-e-prevencao\/","title":{"rendered":"Synkinesias after facial paralysis: warning signs, mechanisms and prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Facial paralysis occurs due to an injury to the facial nerve (VII cranial nerve), resulting in partial or total loss of facial movements. During the process of nerve regeneration, when it takes place in a disorganised way, synkinesias may appear, characterised by involuntary movements associated with voluntary actions. These changes can interfere with facial expression, speech and other essential day-to-day functions.<\/p>\n

Early recognition of synkinesias and monitoring by a specialised physiotherapist are key to reducing their functional impact. In this article, we explore what synkinesias are, why they occur, what the warning signs are and how they can be prevented.<\/p>\n

What are synkinesias?<\/h4>\n

Syncinesia is a common sequela of facial paralysis. The term derives from the Greek \u201csyn\u201d (together) and \u201ckinesis\u201d (movement), referring to movements that occur simultaneously.<\/p>\n

Simply put, this is an involuntary movement that accompanies a voluntary movement. In other words, when you intentionally contract a facial muscle, you simultaneously activate another muscle that shouldn't be involved in this action.<\/p>\n

The classification of synkinesias is based on the muscle groups involved. The first term corresponds to the muscle group activated voluntarily and the second to the group that moves involuntarily. For example:<\/p>\n