Have you ever heard of Bell’s Palsy? Most of you likely have not. It is when someone develops facial paralysis on one side. We have nerves technically called (cranial nerves) within our brainstem that control our eye movement, taste, smell, chewing of your food, swallowing your meals, hearing of music, and sticking out your tongue to name a few. Particularly with Bell’s Palsy, it affects the facial nerve known as Cranial Nerve 7 in the brain stem. Symptoms include the inability to blink or close one eye, a facial droop when smiling, difficulty making facial expressions, headache, earaches, increased sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes Bell’s Palsy is mistaken as having Stroke Symptoms and it is important to get seen right away by your healthcare provider to accurately differentiate between the two diagnoses.
How does one get facial paralysis? Research reports that facial paralysis occurs due to a viral infection such as Herpes Virus or Meningitis. Other cases have been linked to severe trauma to the face. chronic ear infections, flu like illnesses, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections. During the Covid 19 pandemic, reports note that there has been an uptick of those suffering from facial paralysis 8 weeks out from initial Covid infection.
How does Bell’s Palsy get resolved? Most cases of Bell’s Palsy are temporary and resolves on its own. For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe Prednisone to help with decreasing inflammation. With these severe cases you should seek out a physical therapist to help you decrease complications especially with the inability to close you eye as you are at risk of your eye drying out and not being able to cleanse itself of bacteria. Your physical therapist will also provide an exercise program for your facial muscles, provided soft tissue massage to help with blood flow to your facial tissues, and to help you regain mobility.
Looking for a Physical Therapist? Call for a free consultation today at Neurologic Optimal Wellness Physical Therapy LLC (413)-318-4776 or visit our website at www.neuroptnow.com
Dr. Katrina J. Banks, PT, DPT, CCI, CSRS, LSVT-BIG, NCS
