Bell’s Palsy causes sudden weakness and loss of normal facial expression on one side of the face.
Although no one has found the exact cause of Bell’s Palsy, many people who have had Bell’s Palsy had experienced middle ear infection. If you suffer from Bell’s Palsy, you may experience:
- Facial droop
- Difficulty chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Leakage of fluids while drinking
- Inability to close eye completely
- Unable to raise eyebrow
- Loss of taste
- Pain in jaw
- Loss of normal facial expression
“Increasing evidence implies that the main cause of Bell's palsy is latent herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes zoster virus), which are reactivated from cranial nerve ganglia. Sensitive polymerase chain reaction techniques have isolated herpes virus DNA from the facial nerve during acute palsy. Inflammation of the nerve initially results in a reversible neurapraxia, but ultimately Wallerian degeneration ensues.”
* Holland, JN, Weiner GM ( 2004) Recent developments in Bells Palsy. BMJ Sep 4; 329(7465): 553–557
Facial palsy affects upper motor neuron palsy which causes paralysis of the lower half of one side of the face. Although healing usually doesn’t reach 100 %, some recovery may be possible if seen early.
How do we treat Bell’s Palsy at Rehab Specialists?
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient including testing facial expressions, speech, and sensory responses and then determine an appropriate treatment plan including some of the following procedures:
- Proprioceptive neuro-muscular re-education
- Facial re-education exercises
- Stimulation of facial muscles using galvanic/faradic current
- Micro current point stimulation of facial nerve (MPS)
- Muscle activation techniques
- Taping
- Mobilization of TMJ and cervical spine if needed
- A comprehensive facial home exercise program
At Rehab Specialists, our specialty trained therapists have treated more than 200 patients with Bell’s Palsy successfully restoring normal facial expressions, sensation and speech.
Please call us at 269-459-6212 or request appointment via website to see if you would benefit from our treatment.