Yes, droopy or less expressive facial features can be part of Parkinson's. It's related to a symptom called facial masking (also known as hypomimia), where stiffness and slowness affect the muscles in your face — including around the eyes.
This can make your face appear less animated or even droopy, even though you may feel Show Full Answer
Yes, droopy or less expressive facial features can be part of Parkinson's. It's related to a symptom called facial masking (also known as hypomimia), where stiffness and slowness affect the muscles in your face — including around the eyes.
This can make your face appear less animated or even droopy, even though you may feel perfectly alert and engaged inside. It can sometimes lead to misunderstandings with others who may think you're tired, sad, or uninterested. One important thing to watch for: if you notice a sudden one-sided facial droop, that is *not* typical of Parkinson's and could be a sign of something more serious. In that case, call 911 right away.
Some things that may help with facial masking include:
- Facial exercises to keep muscles more active
- Speech therapy, which can also address facial movement
- Talking to your neurologist about whether any medication adjustments might help
It's always worth bringing this up with your care team so they can help find the best approach for you.
September 22
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