WHAT IS BELL’S PALSY?

Bell’s palsy is a sudden temporary facial paralysis, affecting facial nerves on one side of the face. This causes weakness of the facial muscles and obvious drooping of the face. There's no known cause and severity can vary. Recovery can vary from 3 weeks to 6 months and can fasten with physiotherapy treatment.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is still unknown. However, it has been sometimes linked to the Herpes virus, chickenpox, and shingles virus.

Facial paralysis is caused by inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve, which controls 43 facial muscles on each side of the face. The 7th cranial nerve also controls the sweat glands of the face, the tear ducts, and the sensation of the front of the tongue.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

It is important to note that it is associated with the initial signs of a stroke. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to rule out stroke.

Symptoms:

• One sided facial drop, such as drooping mouth

• Inability to close the affected eye

• Abnormal sensation on one side of the face

• Over or under production of tears

• Drooling

• Reduced taste

• Difficulty in speaking

• Pain behind the ear

• Headache

TREATMENT

It is important to seek treatment quickly for Bell’s palsy to maximise recovery.

Medical management may include steroids to reduce inflammation and anti-viral medication.

Physiotherapy treatment is of paramount importance to regain full facial power as the nerve begins to regenerate.

Treatment includes using the ultrasound to decrease nerve inflammation, using the Biotransducer and the Biomodulator to regenerate the nerve, using electric stimulation and/or acupuncture to strengthen the facial muscles. For those who are not keen on acupuncture, electro acupuncture pens (no needles) can be used instead.

Our long-term treatment plan is to facilitate our clients to achieve normal and full facial expressions, and functional movements such as eating, talking, smiling, and blinking.