What Is Selective Neurolysis and Why Is It Considered a Breakthrough Treatment?

Updated on December 16, 2021

Facial nerves help control the muscles in your face. When one of these nerves is damaged, it can cause muscle movement and facial expression problems. It happens in a condition called Bell’s Palsy, which affects the facial nerve.

Selective neurolysis for facial paralysis is a minimally invasive procedure that can help improve the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy by reducing muscle spasms, pain, and facial nerve function.

The medical procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, making it a safe and convenient option for many patients.

What is Selective Neurolysis?

Selective neurolysis is a medical treatment that selectively destroys nerve fibers to decrease the muscle spasms and pain that are often associated with various neurological conditions.

It is considered a breakthrough treatment for Bell’s Palsy because it can help to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the symptoms of the condition.

How Is Selective Neurolysis Performed?

Selective neurolysis is typically performed using a minimally invasive percutaneous image-guided laser ablation technique.

It involves using a laser beam to destroy the nerve fibers selectively. The medical procedure is typically carried out under local anesthesia, and it is usually completed in less than an hour.

What Are the Benefits of Selective Neurolysis?

The benefits of selective neurolysis include:

Reducing Muscle Spasms and Pain

When the nerve fibers are destroyed, it can help reduce the muscle spasms and pain that are often associated with various neurological conditions.

Improving Quality of Life

The symptoms of conditions such as Bell’s Palsy can often significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Selective neurolysis for facial paralysis can help improve the patient’s quality of life by minimizing the symptoms of the condition.

Minimizing Complications

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and it is usually completed in less than an hour. This minimizes the risk of complications.

Who Is a Candidate for Selective Neurolysis?

According to medical news, there are around 23 cases per 1,00,000 person of Bell’s Palsy in the United States.

Selective neurolysis is typically recommended for patients with muscle spasms and pain that are not responsive to other treatments.

It is also recommended for patients who are experiencing a significant impact on their quality of life due to their neurological condition. Patients should discuss the potential benefits of selective neurolysis with their doctor to see if it is the proper treatment.

How Long Does the Effect of Selective Neurolysis Last?

The effect of selective neurolysis typically lasts for several months. However, the duration may vary from patient to patient. Patients should discuss the possible benefits and risks of selective neurolysis with their doctor to determine if it is the proper treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Selective Neurolysis?

Most insurance policies do not cover the treatment cost of selective neurolysis, but this may vary depending on your plan.

If you are considering selective neurolysis for the treatment of Bell’s Palsy or another neurological condition, be sure to confirm with your insurance provider about whether or not it will be covered and also understand the extent of coverage well in advance. 

Why Is It Known as A Breakthrough Treatment for Bell’s Palsy?

Selective neurolysis is a breakthrough treatment for Bell’s Palsy because it can help to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the symptoms of the condition. 

Symptoms that may be improved with selective neurolysis include muscle spasms, pain, and facial nerve function. Moreover, the medical procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia, making it a safe and convenient option for many patients.

If you are considering selective neurolysis for the treatment of Bell’s Palsy or another neurological condition, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the best course of treatment for you.

How Does It Help Children?

Bell’s palsy is caused by a medical problem in the facial nerve that controls the muscles in the face. It typically affects only one side of the face, starting with drooping on one side. 

Sometimes children are born with problems in specific nerves, but often, it works itself out over time. However, if it doesn’t, such children may end up facing lifelong neurological problems. Selective neurolysis can help such children, and can be used as an alternative to expensive and risky surgical procedures.

What About Other Conditions?

Selective neurolysis is beneficial in treating other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

How Long Has It Been Around?

The treatment has been available for over 20 years. It was initially used to help with pain relief after surgery, but researchers soon found that it could also help treat other neurological conditions.

Selective neurolysis is now considered a safe and minimally invasive option for many patients suffering from various neurological conditions.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.