Nerve Complications Following Jaw Surgery
A week ago, I (25F) underwent what was thought to be a routine jaw surgery. However, upon regaining consciousness post-anesthesia, my surgeon informed me that they had unintentionally fractured a section of my jaw, and consequently, my mouth was now immobilized with wires. As I began to regain my senses over the course of the next day in the hospital, I noticed additional issues: I could not move my left eyebrow or completely close my left eyelid, which was concerning since the fracture occurred on my left side. With the extensive network of nerves in that facial area, I suspect that either a nerve block might have been administered during the surgery that inadvertently affected nearby nerves, or perhaps the swelling is hampering the normal functioning of the nerves. Upon discussing my concerns with my surgeon, they suggested that the mobility would likely return over time, yet my recollections of my hospital experience remain quite unclear. This whole situation has left me both confused and anxious about the status of my facial nerves. In summary: during surgery, my jaw was fractured, leading to complications with the movement of my eyebrow and eyelid on the affected side.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 8:02:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing concerning symptoms following your jaw surgery, specifically affecting the movement of your left eyebrow and eyelid. Your anxiety and confusion are completely understandable as you deal with unexpected complications.
Explanation
After jaw surgery, particularly one involving fractures, it is not uncommon to have temporary nerve-related issues. The facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, runs close to the jaw and can be affected by swelling or trauma from the surgery. If there was a nerve block administered for pain management, it could also contribute to temporary muscle weakness.
Often, these symptoms improve as swelling decreases and nerves heal, but it's important to keep an eye on your progress.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes in eyebrow or eyelid movement. Look for improvement in muscle function and report any regressions to your surgical team.
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Practice Eye Care: If you are not able to close your eyelid completely, it's essential to protect your eye from dryness or injury. You can use lubricating eye drops to keep your eye comfortable.
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Gentle Facial Exercises: If your surgeon approves, consider gentle exercises for your forehead and eyelid. For instance, try raising your left eyebrow and closing your eyelid to encourage movement, but only as tolerated and without causing pain.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure you attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Express your concerns about the nerve function at each visit; they can provide additional assessments or referrals if necessary.
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Seek Support: Given your anxiety around this situation, consider talking to a support group or a mental health professional if you find it increasingly difficult to cope.
Your surgical team may reassure you further regarding the likelihood of nerve recovery, so keep an open line of communication with them. Remember that recovery can take time, but many individuals see improvement in similar situations. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as severe pain or an inability to move the affected side of your face altogether, it's important to seek immediate attention.
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