
26/04/2025
Bell's Palsy 🤕
When One Side of the Face Goes Silent
------------------------------------------------------------------
▪️ Have you ever seen someone suddenly lose movement in half their face?
- That could be Bell’s Palsy , a condition that catches people off guard, but with the right awareness and rehab, recovery is often possible 💪
▪️ What Is Bell’s Palsy?
- Bell’s Palsy is a temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face, due to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) : This nerve controls : ( Facial expressions - Tear and saliva production - Part of taste sensation )
-----------------------------------------
▪️ Causes & Triggers 🧬
- While the exact cause is still unclear, several triggers may include:
1) Viral infections (like herpes simplex)
2) Stress or over-fatigue
3) Immune responses that affect nerve function
4) Cold exposure (like sleeping with a fan or AC blowing on your face)
------------------------------------------
▪️Common Signs & Symptoms 🚨
- Sudden drooping of one side of the face
- Inability to close one eye
- Drooling from the affected side
- Loss of taste (front of the tongue)
- Headache or pain behind the ear
- Heightened sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) on the affected side
-----------------------------------------------------------
▪️ Diagnosis & Management 🩺
- Diagnosis is clinical but may involve MRI or blood tests to rule out other conditions.
- Treatment may include:
1) Corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation)
2) Antiviral medications (if viral origin is suspected)
3) Physical therapy & facial exercises for neuromuscular re-education
4) Eye protection (to avoid dryness or injury if the eye can't close properly)
Doctor of physical therapy