19/11/2021
*Bell's Palsy*
Bell's Palsy is facial paralysis which is caused by dysfunction of Cranial Nerve VII, the Facial Nerve.
It results in inability to move the muscles on the affected side of the face. There is no known specific cause of Bells Palsy.
*Mechanism of Injury*
Facial nerve is damaged by inflammation within the nerve causing it to become enlarged, at the point where the nerve exits the skull. Reduced blood supply occurs as the nerve swells in its path, blocking neural blood supply.
*Signs*
☑️ Loss of control of the muscles on one side of the face
☑️ General body weakness in the first few days of onset
☑️ Pain in the region affected side of the face
☑️ Inability to close the eye
☑️ Inability to move the lips
*Physiotherapy Treatment*
🪢 Physiotherapist use various Electromyography machines to stimulate the affected nerves and muscles
🪢 Massage is done to reduce swelling and improve blood supply
🪢 Breathing and relaxation exercises
🪢 Exercises to enhance coordination between both sides of the face and to reduce synkinesis
🪢 Exercises to help with eye and lip closure
🪢 Letter, word and facial expression exercises
