Bell’s paralysis, also known as peripheral facial paralysis, occurs when the facial nerve becomes inflamed and the person can control the muscles on one side of the face, causing torsion of the mouth, making it difficult to perform expressions and even just a sting. Feeling.
Most of the time this inflammation is temporary and occurs after a viral infection, such as herpes, rubella or mumps, but it can also be a permanent situation, especially if there is an injury to the facial nerve.
- Ideally.
- Any type of facial paralysis should be valued by a doctor.
- Especially since.
- At an early stage.
- It could be a sign of a more serious situation.
- Such as a stroke.
- So it must be properly identified and treated.
Some of the most characteristic symptoms of Bell’s palsy include
These symptoms usually appear quickly and affect one side of the face, even in rare cases, there may also be nerve inflammation on both sides of the face, which can cause symptoms on both sides of the face.
Bell’s palsy symptoms are similar to some signs of serious problems, such as a stroke or brain tumor, so it’s important that there’s always a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis is usually made with an evaluation of facial muscles and present symptoms, but your doctor may also order additional problems, such as CT, MRI, and some blood tests.
These problems, in addition to helping complete Bell’s diagnosis of paralysis, can also detect other problems that may have caused facial paralysis as a result.
However, do not consider the exact cause of inflammation of the face and the onset of Bell’s paralysis, however, it is common for this alteration to occur after viral infections such as:
In addition, they are more common in women, people with diabetes, patients with lung infections or with a family history of paralysis.
Treatment of bell paralysis can be done using medications, physiotherapy and speech therapy, as shown below:
Treatment of Bell’s paralysis with medications should be indicated by a neurologist, which involves the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone, and antivirals such as aciclovir or valaciclovir, which can be used up to 3 days after the onset of symptoms.
Because Bell’s paralysis causes the muscles of the face to shrink, it can cause pain, in these situations the use of pain relievers, such as aspirin, dipirone or acetaminophen, may be recommended to relieve this symptom. Studies have been conducted to verify that the use of Vitamin B12 supplements also reduces symptoms.
Similarly, if paralysis imposes an eye barrier, it is necessary to apply an ointment directly to the eye before bedtime to protect it, thus avoiding extreme dryness; However, during the day, it is important to use a lubricating eye drops and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and wind rays.
During physical therapy sessions, the individual should exercise with the facial muscles to strengthen facial musculature and improve blood circulation in the paralysis-generating nervous system, certain exercises that are indicated:
Open and close your eyes with confidence;
Try to raise the walls;
Approach the blocks forming vertical lines;
To purse the ceo, allowing horizontal wrinkles to appear in front of them;
Dream with confidence, show clients and show clients;
Make a good smile;
Learn skills with confidence;
He hates a pout;
Put a pen in your mouth and try drawing on a sheet of paper;
Move your lips closer as if you wanted to send a kiss”;
Open your mouth as much as possible;
Wipe your nose, as if it didn’t feel good;
Make soap balls;
Inflate air balloons;
Wince;
Try to open your nostrils.
During these exercises, the physical therapist can use a propeller cube wrapped in one hand, to slide over the paralyzed area in order to stimulate muscle contraction. To help the person perform the contraction, the therapist can help in the direction of movement by placing 2 or 3 fingers on the face, which are then removed so that the person can maintain the contraction correctly.
In addition to exercises, other treatment strategies, such as index massage (outer cheeks) and thumbs (inside the cheek) can be used to establish a muscle relationship or stretch the affected muscles.
Sometimes electrical stimuli may also be used, but are not recommended during the first few weeks as they may interfere with nervous system recovery.
Studies have been developed to evaluate the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of Bell’s paralysis, and some findings have established that this traditional medicine technique in China could improve function and reduce nerve stiffness in the face, stimulating nerve fibers in the skin and facial muscles. Learn more about how acupuncture is performed.
In some situations, surgery may be indicated by your doctor, especially in cases where there is a lot of facial nerve involvement, which is confirmed only after you perform the electroneuromyography exam.
As a result of surgery, psychotherapy may be appropriate for psychological support, as the face falls very differently than it used to be, making it difficult for the person to recognize and accept it, especially when it is necessary to develop professional activities. is contact with other people.
Speech therapy sessions are indicated for the rehabilitation of the person with Bell’s paralysis, so that he can recover facial movements and expressions, as well as help stimulate speech, chewing and swallowing functions, this type of therapy should be performed by a qualified professional, with the frequency of sessions per week and the treatment time determined by the speech therapist with a doctor.
Full recovery will depend on the cause of the paralysis, it may take about 1 to 4 months before starting physical therapy. Approximately 15% of people with this peripheral facial paralysis cannot fully recover and botox or surgery may be necessary within a few months. .