Facial Palsy
Facial palsy is loss of muscle function (paralysis) in the face due to damage to the facial nerve supplying the muscle. This causes muscle weakness in parts of the face that control facial and eye movements.
What causes Facial Palsy?
The exact cause is not known, however, it can be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which inflames the nerve that controls your facial muscles. The signals through this nerve are not transmitted properly, leading to weakness and paralysis of the face.
How is facial palsy diagnosed?
Your GP will confirm a diagnosis of facial palsy if this is the case, after asking about your symptoms and undertaking a thorough physical examination. Your GP may refer you to a neurologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist for further examination.
What are the symptoms/effects of Facial Palsy?
Symptoms usually come on suddenly, often within a few hours or overnight. The main symptom is one side of your face becoming weak or paralysed. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty closing your eyes
- Irritation in the eye because it does not blink and becomes dry
- Parts of the face may droop, such as one side of the mouth
- Difficulty with facial expressions such as smiling and lifting the eyebrow
- Increased sensitivity to sound and altered taste
- Pain in front or behind the ear on the affected side.
Physiotherapy treatment for facial palsy
Physiotherapy treatment at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic will help you regain your maximum function as soon as possible and provide you with advice and support throughout your rehabilitation. Physiotherapy treatment will be focused on:
- Increasing control of facial movements
- Improving facial expressions
- Improving eye movements
- Enhancing self-esteem
- Helping you to speak, eat and close the eyes as soon as possible.
Our physiotherapists understand the significant impact facial palsy can have on your life and therefore rehabilitation will be specific to your individual needs. Treatment will usually include stretches to regain eyebrow and mouth movements and passive and active exercise to enhance muscle function.
