Beyond Basic Bell's Palsy: Management and Treatment of Synkinesis

Sunday, October 18, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM PT

Location: Petree Hall D

Moderator(s)

MH

Michelle S. Hwang, MD

Assistant Professor
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Panelist(s)

GL

G. Nina N. Lu, MD

Associate Professor
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States
Laura T. Hetzler, MD

Professor
LSU Health
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Christina M. Yver, MD MBA

Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Medical Education Program
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

This panel will address the diagnosis and management of synkinesis, a common yet often underrecognized consequence of incomplete facial recovery following Bell’s palsy and other etiologies. Faculty will review the clinical spectrum of synkinesis, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm, emphasizing accurate differentiation and appropriate work-up. Contemporary non-surgical and surgical treatment options, including chemodenervation, selective myectomy, and neurectomy, will be discussed, highlighting recent advances that have reshaped treatment algorithms. Attendees will gain practical strategies to counsel and manage patients within a comprehensive otolaryngology practice.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the differential diagnosis synkinesis vs hemifacial spasm.
Incorporate non-surgical management of synkinesis into practice.
Discuss surgical treatment options for synkinesis into practice.