Synkinesis is an abnormal involuntary associated facial movement (9-11) that occurs in nearly all cases of facial nerve degeneration which would tend to regenerate from the proximal site of injury (12). Synkinesis begins 3–4 months after regeneration of FNP and continues for up to 2 years (8-10).

How do you know if you have synkinesis?

Examples of synkinesis include:

When you smile, the eye on the affected side may close. When you smile, your neck muscles tighten. When you blink, or close your eye, the corner of the mouth on the affected side pulls up. When you chew your eye closes.

Can you reverse synkinesis?

As any conditioned reflex, facial synkinesis can therefore be reversed by negative feedback, as demonstrated by results of our patients.