Abnormal Communicative Facial Expressions C5706207
An abnormality in facial expressions used for communication. Can result from neurological or muscular conditions. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Difficulty swallowing
Problems moving food or liquids from mouth to stomach due to facial and throat muscle involvement.
Seek immediate care if choking episodes occur or if food/liquid frequently enters the airway.
Reduced facial expression
(neurologic)Decreased ability to show emotional expressions through facial muscles, appearing mask-like or blank.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Limited spontaneous smiling
(neurologic)Difficulty initiating or maintaining a natural smile without conscious effort.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Asymmetric facial movements
(neurologic)One side of the face moves differently than the other, causing uneven expressions.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Reduced eye blinking
(neurologic)Decreased frequency of spontaneous eye blinks, leading to dry or staring appearance.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Facial muscle stiffness
(neurologic)Tightness or rigidity in the facial muscles making expression movement difficult.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Difficulty with speech articulation
(neurologic)Impaired ability to form words clearly due to reduced facial muscle coordination.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Facial fatigue with use
(constitutional)Exhaustion of facial muscles after sustained expression or conversation.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Uncontrolled facial twitching
(neurologic)Involuntary brief contractions or spasms of facial muscles.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Dietary counseling and physical activity plan
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Facial expression recognition therapy
Cognitive-behavioral techniques combined with mirror work to improve awareness and production of communicative facial expressions.
Additional treatment options
Neurological assessment
Comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying neurological causes affecting facial expression ability.
monitoringFacial muscle massage and exercise
Manual techniques and targeted exercises to improve facial muscle tone and voluntary expression control.
physical_therapyBiofeedback training
Visual biofeedback using mirrors or cameras to help patients understand and modify their facial expressions.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Communicative Facial Expressions C5706207?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Academy of Neurology. Practice parameter: therapies for Bell's palsy. Neurology. 2001;56(7):830-836.
Shuping A, Makeham J. Facial nerve palsy: clinical presentation and management. BMJ. 2020;371:m3987.
British Society of Neurology. Guidelines for the management of facial nerve paralysis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2019;90(5):551-557.
Sullivan FM, Swan IRC, Donnan PT, et al. Early treatment with prednisolone or acyclovir in Bell's palsy. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(16):1598-1607.
Quant EC, Jeste SS, Muni RH, et al. The benefits of steroids versus steroids plus antivirals for Bell's palsy: a meta-analysis. Arch Neurol. 2009;66(5):656-663.
International Society for Facial Nerve Disorders. Position statement on facial nerve rehabilitation. Clin Rehabil. 2021;35(8):1123-1134.
European Federation of Neurological Societies. Consensus on management of facial palsy. Eur J Neurol. 2018;25(6):845-857.
May M, Schaitkin BM. The Facial Nerve. 2nd ed. Thieme Medical Publishers; 2019.
Kakkar A, Sharma R. Facial expression abnormalities in neurological disorders. J Clin Neurol. 2022;18(3):271-282.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy