Facial Nerve Center

The EVMS Facial Nerve program is dedicated to the treatment of facial paralysis in both children and adults. It is the only multidisciplinary facial nerve center in Virginia. Facial paralysis is the loss of facial movement due to nerve malfunction. It can appear suddenly or gradually, causing weakness, immobility, and involuntary movement or drooping of the facial muscles making it difficult to speak, blink, swallow or smile.

We work closely with our patients to improve facial function, eye protection, facial appearance, communication and over-all well-being.

About us

William Dougherty, MD, and Eric Dobratz, MD, are facial plastic surgeons who specialize in the treatment of facial nerve disorders. They coordinate closely with colleagues in neurology, ophthalmology, physical therapy and others to provide comprehensive treatment of facial nerve disorders.

Facial nerve disorders treated

Facial paralysis can have many causes including:

• Bell’s palsy (including incomplete recovery)
• Facial Synkinesis and Hemifacial spasms
• Facial nerve tumors
  • Blepharospasm
  • Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
• Facial paralysis from:
  • Head and neck cancers, including parotid gland
  • Trauma
  • Brain tumors or their treatment
  • Congenital such as Mobius syndrome or unilateral lip palsy (CULP)
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Vascular malformations
  • After surgery
  • Ear infections or disease
  • Stroke
• Lyme disease or Ramsay Hunt syndrome