DEPARTMENT

OF
PHYSIOTHERAPY

BELL'S PALSY

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What is Bells palsy? What are the symptoms of Bells palsy? Exercises:
Bells palsy is a paralysis or weakness of Rapid onset of mild weakness to total Exercises will help to strengthen the
the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to paralysis on one side of your face that specific muscles of the face and should be done
the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side causes it to droop. 4-5 times a day in front of a mirror or as per the
of the face causes that side of your face to droop. Difficulty in making facial expressions. advice of your Physiotherapist.
Numbness of the affected side of your
face & inability to wrinkle your forehead,
whistle or blow your cheek.
Headache
Inability to close one eye which leads to
excessive tearing or a dry eye.
Eyebrow sagging. Suck in cheeks & Turn the corners of
Loss of ability to taste & drooling of lips forward. your mouth up.
saliva.
Difficulty in chewing on affected side.
Pain in or behind your ear & increased
Who gets Bells palsy? sensitivity to sound on the affected side.
Anyone can get Bells palsy and it affects
both men and woman equally. It most commonly What is the Treatment for Bells palsy?
occurs between the ages of 10 and 40. This In Bells palsy the function of the nerve
condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, gradually returns to normal within two months Wrinkle your nose. Raise your
and usually gets better on its own within a few with proper treatment. Physiotherapy treatment eyebrows.
weeks. There is a slightly higher incidence in the helps to progress the recovery.
winter. It includes:
What is Facial Nerve? 1. Electrical Stimulation
The facial nerve is a nerve which controls 2. Manual Massage
the muscles on the side of the face. It allows us 3. Bells palsy facial exercises.
to show expression, smile, cry and wink.
What causes Bells palsy? Lifestyle and Home activities: Bring your eyebrows Close your eyes
Though the exact causes of Bells palsy are not Apply moist heat to the paralyzed area to together in a frown. tightly.
known, the condition is thought to be as a result 8
help reduce pain.
of inflammation, compression or swelling of the
Keep the face warm
facial nerve. This in turn could be due to:
Wear a scarf or jacket with a hood.
Traumatic injury to the face or head.
Try drinking with straw.
Diabetes and Blood Pressure.
Eat on the side of your mouth that feels
Stress and Pregnancy.
most comfortable.
Viral infections such as herpes, influenza,
Use protective eye wear. Tighten the muscles on Push out your upper
a cold or chronic middle ear infection. the front of your neck. lip.