Research work drawn up by specialists from the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University of Navarra Hospital has shown that, after surgical treatment for facial paralysis through using muscular transplant and nervous transposition (connection of facial muscle to a nerve different from the injured facial nerve), the brain of a woman – in comparison to that of a male - manages to adapt itself better, recovers the spontaneous smile and has a greater time period available for repairing the paralysis.

A research study conducted at Washington State University Spokane offers hope to those suffering from facial nerve damage.

Researchers in Australia recently discovered that patients suffering from hearing problems beginning during infancy and childhood could benefit from a transplant of stem cells from their nose.

Surgeons from UC Davis Medical Center have demonstrated that artificial muscles can restore the ability of patients with facial paralysis to blink, a development that could benefit the thousands of people each year who no longer are able to close their eyelids due to combat-related injuries, stroke, nerve injury or facial surgery.

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ... BELL'S PALSY 1. Symptoms: The nerve that controls your facial muscles becomes swollen or compressed, causing half of your face to temporarily paralyze or weaken and appear to droop.