Facial Reanimation - Atlanta

[lisa2]

Hi,

I'm trying to find someone to help me with facial reanimation in the Atlanta area.  I had translab 10/06 by Dr Brackmann at HEI and have done really well except for lingering facial paralysis.  I continue to see improvement but would like to make sure that I don't fall into any bad habits.

I have the dimple in my chin, the eye that closes when I chew, and the lopsided smile.  Other than that I look pretty normal when my face is at rest. 

I'd appreciate any info anyone has on who to contact in Atlanta for the facial therapy.

Thanks,

Lisa

[nancyann]

Hi Lisa:  I can't help with the synkenesis - I never regained movement.    But if you google Bell's Palsy Information Site, & on the left click onto
Treatment Centers,  it'll show you what's in the East Coast areas.   I didn't see anyone in Atlanta,  but people on this site have been known to
travel for 1 or 2 sessions, or enough to give them info on the exercises they need to be doing.
Many here have mentioned a therapist named 'Diehls' (? sp - Jackie, I think, her name is on the list) - I think she's in Wisconsin or somewhere around there - people have travelled
to see her - she's one of the leaders in facial retraining.
Good luck Lisa,  Nancy

[mar50]

Hi Lisa - sorry, I have no information in response to your original question, but have a question for you....you mention the "dimple in my chin".  Is this a typical symptom of facial palsy?  I've never heard of before, but have one myself, and am a little curious if this is common?? 

Thanks in advance,
Martha

[FAITH40]

LISA,

HI, I AM TAMMI, SO NICE TO MEET YOU! THERE IS A PLACE IN ATLANTA CALLED ATLANTA EAR CLINIC . A WOMAN NAMED GAYE W. CRONIN OTD. OTR. THAT SPECIALIZES IN NEUROMUSCULAR FACIAL RETRAINING WORKS THERE ... I HEARD SHE WAS EXCELLENT WITH AWESOME SUCESS!! I HAVE HEARD THAT WHEN SHE FINISHES YOUR THERAPY, YOU CAN NOT TELL WHICH SIDE WAS THE AN SIDE!! I AM EXCITED TO START THIS THERAPY!!! THE # IS 404-851-9093 YOU CAN GOOGLE THIS CLINIC AND GET INFO ON HER AND HER SPECIALTY !! GOOD LUCK!!

TAMMI

[lisa2]

Martha,

I don't know if the dimple is normal or not - I also have a "dimple" above my eyebrow.  At least my crows feet aren't as noticeable on my AN side.

Thanks - Lisa

[mar50]

Thanks Lisa!  I hear you about the crow's feet!!! 

[SusanT]

Lisa,
I am currently seeing Gaye at the Atlanta Ear Clininc for facial retraining. I developed facial paralysis 3 months after gamma knife. I highly recommend her for therapy. She is an Occupational Therapist and is working on my face and my balance.
Susan

[marg]

I am so glad that "they" are finally doing something about this facial paralysis problem.... just wish we had some people on the West Coast !
marg

[TLC719]

Hey  Susan&Lisa     My name is Teresa &I also live in the Atlanta area.I have been going to the atlanta ear clinic for awhile to get Gaye to help facial paraylis.you can even see a photo of me there .The one dressed  like cat & the hat.I'm due to go in soon.When I go there I'm on  my best balance behavior.That's what I tell her.She is the best around!  Later TLC

[cindyj]

Hi Susan, Lisa and Teresa,

I'm also in the Atlanta area, am a newbie and am in the discovery and decision making process for my small right side AN...I have seen a couple of docs here in town and am scheduled to see several more over the next couple of weeks.  Did any of you have surgery, CK or GK in the Atl area?  I was referred to Dr. Steenerson at the Atlanta Ear Clinic by a friend of a friend, but do not have an apptmt w/ him yet.

Thanks...and good luck w/ getting help for your facial issues

[TLC719]

Hi   Cindy,       I did'nt have GK ,my AN was to large 3.8cm.I wish that I could have.When you go to see Dr.Steenerson he may seem alittle dry but he,s really nice.As many times I,ve been there he knows me well.He will probably send you to peactree neurology.I've. heard they are real good with GK. Please let me know how everthing goes.   Teresa

[cindyj]

Thanks, Teresa.  As a matter of fact, I am going to P'tee Neurosurgery next week - I am going to try to get an apptmt to see Dr. Steenerson...think I probably should have seen him first, but, oh well.  Still trying to figure out all the different specialists and the order in which to see them...lot to learn.  So, which surgery did you have - sorry if I missed it from a previous post and you're having to repeat yourself.

cindy

[TLC719]

Cindy,    I ended up having the translab approch because of the size of the AN.Steenerson told me there would be less chances of headaches later&so far so good .Keep me posted.   Teresa

[cindyj]

Sure will, Teresa.  I'm really in the "overwhelmed" w/ the decisions stage, though I know there is no rush...afraid I'll go into the "do nothing/ignore it" stage.  But am looking forward to meeting w/ Dr. Steenerson - also have an apptmt w/ Dr. Mattox at Emory in April.

thx,

cindy

[ppearl214]

Hi Cindy and all,

wishing you well in Atlanta (and hoping you all did ok last weekend).... I know of Dr. Maddox at Emory and is top notch, as well as CK at Wellstar Kennestone.  Maybe meet some of you all during my next trip to ATL to see my family (Northside... Alpharetta/Roswell and Marietta). 

Wellness wishes to you,
Phyl