A team of Michigan Medicine experts across specialties have joined together to create the Michigan Medicine Facial Nerve Clinic, in hopes of optimizing patient care and health outcomes.
Prior to the appointment, patients will undergo a pre-evaluation screening by the clinic coordinator. The screening will be used to develop a personalized itinerary for the patient’s first visit.
Appointments for patients needing to see several specialists will be scheduled on the same day and at the same location as much as possible. The specialists will evaluate the patient and design a treatment plan in partnership with the patient and referring physician.
“Without timely and integrated care, patients with facial nerve disorders can suffer from serious consequences, including loss of vision,” said Shannon Joseph, M.D., M.Sc., an ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery. “It’s imperative we offer the most advanced, evidence-based medical and surgical treatments for our patients. This requires experts across various disciplines to come together as a team to provide the best care for the patient.”
The team will see patients with a multitude of facial nerve disorders, including facial paralysis, facial nerve synkinesis, which is uncoordinated or unintentional facial movements, and paralytic ectropion, which is the turning out of the eyelid that exposes the inner surface of the eyelid.
“Facial paralysis is devastating for someone’s functional, aesthetic and emotional well-being. Daily activities like eating and speaking are negatively impacted,” said Jennifer Kim, M.D., an otolaryngologist specializing in facial plastic surgery.
The Michigan Medicine Facial Nerve Clinic team consists of specialists in:
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Oculoplastic surgery
- Neurology
- Neuro-otology
- Plastic surgery
- Optometry
- Comprehensive ophthalmology
- Corneal surgery
- Occupational therapy and neuromuscular retraining
- Social work
“Our faces are one of the major ways that we present ourselves to the outside world, so a facial nerve disorder can be devastating,” said Andrew Joseph, M.D., an otolaryngologist specializing in facial cosmetic surgery. “The goal of our team is to utilize cutting-edge techniques to restore this essential feature. Our aim isn’t just to improve appearance, but instead rebuild self-confidence and identity.”
Patients can be referred by their physician or schedule an appointment by calling 734-936-8051.