The evaluation of a facial injury begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a facial injury may include:

• Facial tenderness
• Facial swelling
• Facial bruise

Physical findings in someone that may also have a facial fracture include:

• Crepitus (a spongy feeling due to fractured bone or air in the tissues)
• Deformity of the nose or face
• Inability to move the eyes normally (double vision)
• Lack of symmetry of facial movement
• Malocclusion of the teeth
• Inability to close the teeth normally
• Severe tenderness over a bone

Severe facial injuries may require testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate facial injury include:

• Facial bone x-rays
• CT scanning of the brain
• CT scanning of the facial bones
• MRI scan of the face
• Dental x-rays
• Eye examination

For more information:

• Facial contusion evaluation
• Facial fracture evaluation