Facial paralysis, also known as peripheral facial paralysis or Bell’s paralysis, is a neurological disorder that occurs when the facial nerve is affected by some reason, resulting in symptoms such as crooked mouth, difficulty moving the face, lack of expression in a part of the face, or simply the tingling sensation.
Most of the time, facial paralysis is temporary, as a result of inflammation around the facial nerve that can occur after a viral infection, such as herpes simplex, shingles, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr (EBV), rubella, mumps, or immune diseases. , like Lyme disease.
- If you have symptoms of facial paralysis.
- It is important to consult a family doctor to see if there are any problems that require treatment.
- In addition.
- If other symptoms such as disorientation.
- Weakness in other parts of the body.
- Fever or fainting occur.
- It is important to see your doctor right away.
- As this may be a sign of more serious problems.
- Such as a stroke.
The most common symptoms of facial paralysis include
Diagnosis of facial paralysis is made by watching your doctor and, in most cases, no further tests are necessary. However, to make sure it’s just peripheral facial paralysis, you can use MRI, electromyography, and blood tests, for example, to find the exact diagnosis.
Treatment of facial paralysis usually involves the administration of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to which an antiviral can be added as valaciclovir, however, the doctor only recommends it in some cases.
In addition, physiotherapy and lubricating eye drops are also necessary to prevent dry eyes. The use of artificial eye drops or tears is essential to keep the affected eye properly hydrated and to reduce the risk of corneal damage. To sleep, an ointment prescribed by a doctor should be applied and use eye protection, such as a bandage, for example.
People who experience pain associated with paralysis may also use an analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for example.
Physical therapy uses facial exercises to strengthen muscles and improve facial movements and expressions. However, it is important that these exercises are performed several times a day, every day, to improve treatment. Therefore, in addition to the sessions with the physiotherapist, it is essential to do the exercises at home, and sometimes you can also do sessions with a speech therapist.
See some examples of exercises that can be done for Bell’s paralysis
Facial paralysis is caused by an alteration of facial nerves that paralyzes facial muscles. Possible causes of paralysis include:
Therefore, paralysis can occur in the path of the facial nerve inside or outside the brain. When it occurs inside the brain, it is the result of a stroke and is accompanied by other symptoms and sequelae. When it occurs outside the brain, in the path of the face, it is easier to treat and, in this case, it is called peripheral facial paralysis or Bell’s paralysis.