Yes, it is well recognised, and is known in ENT as alar collapse. It
results (in BP) from paralysis of the levator labii superioris alaeque
nasi, and perhaps the dilator naris. These, of course, are muscles of
facial expression supplied by the facial nerve. It also occurs from
structural causes, especially after nasal trauma, when it can be corrected
by inserting a batten of autologous cartilage either between the alar
cartilage and the overlying skin, or between the alar cartilage and the
underlying mucosa, with overlap of the upper lateral cartilage in either
case.
John R. Cherry, F.R.C.S.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
20 January 2007
John R Cherry
Honorary Consultant Otolaryngologist
Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 3HH
Rapid Response:
Re: Undescribed symptom of Bell's palsy?
Yes, it is well recognised, and is known in ENT as alar collapse. It
results (in BP) from paralysis of the levator labii superioris alaeque
nasi, and perhaps the dilator naris. These, of course, are muscles of
facial expression supplied by the facial nerve. It also occurs from
structural causes, especially after nasal trauma, when it can be corrected
by inserting a batten of autologous cartilage either between the alar
cartilage and the overlying skin, or between the alar cartilage and the
underlying mucosa, with overlap of the upper lateral cartilage in either
case.
John R. Cherry, F.R.C.S.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests