Fabrication of a planar Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Characterization of its self-discharge rate

Facial paralysis is a very challenging condition that can affect all age groups. It impacts facial movement, appearance, emotional expression, social interactions, and critical functions such as smiling, eating, speaking, or blinking. There are a wide variety of causes for facial paralysis that can be categorized into congenital, acute, or chronic. Congenital paralysis is present at birth and may affect one or both sides. Acute facial paralysis occurs over a short period of time. There are numerous causes of this type of facial paralysis including stroke, infection, tumors, neurologic disorders or trauma; but the most common reason is Bell’s palsy. Chronic facial paralysis occurs over a longer period of time and is caused by a tumor extending into the facial nerve.