Therapy Guide to Bell's Palsy
Our physiotherapists undergo rigorous training to ensure that you receive top-notch treatment and care.
What Is Bell's Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a temporary condition that can cause paralysis on one side of your face. This sudden facial weakness can impact your daily life, communication, and self-confidence. It occurs when the nerve controlling one side of your face becomes inflamed, leading to varying degrees of facial weakness. The good news is that, in most cases, it naturally begins to improve.
Around 70% of patients with complete facial paralysis and 94% with partial paralysis recover within six months. However, about 30% of individuals may not fully regain their facial function.
While the exact cause of Bell’s palsy is uncertain, it is believed that some cases might be triggered by the herpes virus. Certain risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, upper respiratory infections, and severe preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Facial weakness or paralysis can also result from various other factors such as trauma, congenital conditions, surgical procedures, or tumors.
How It Feels:
Bell’s palsy typically starts with a sudden weakness or inability to move one side of your face. It can progress rapidly, and you may experience other symptoms like:
- Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side.
- Drooping of the affected side, which can happen within hours to overnight.
- Dryness or excessive tearing in the affected eye.
- Pain in or behind the ear on the affected side.
- Increased sensitivity to sounds.
- Drooling.
- Loss of taste sensation.
- Challenges with speaking due to mouth weakness.
How It's Diagnosed:
To diagnose Bell’s palsy, your doctor will observe your facial movements, including blinking, brow lifting, smiling, and frowning, among others. They may also recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out more serious conditions like tumors or strokes in individuals with facial weakness or paralysis.
Once other potential causes are ruled out, your doctor is likely to diagnose Bell’s palsy and may suggest treatment by a physical therapist. Patients with this condition often receive a course of steroid medication to reduce nerve swelling. In some cases, antiviral medication may also be prescribed. Your doctor will provide a referral for physical therapy to assist in your recovery.
You can schedule regular appointments for standard care, especially if you need Bell’s Palsy therapy from a therapist. If you’re uncertain whether physiotherapy for Bell’s Palsy is suitable for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at 02 96464656 and request a discussion with our experienced therapist.
CLINIC LOCATIONS
Auburn Physiotherapy & Allied Health Clinic: Suit 304, 39 queen st, Auburn, NSW, Aus
Phone: 02 96464656
Mail Us: auburnphysiotherapy@gmail.com
Auburn Physiotherapy – CENTRAL for REHAB PHYSIOTHERAPY offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services designed to meet your diverse needs.