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Neurology

Facial Palsy

What you need to know about Facial Palsy

Facial Palsy

Facial palsy is the loss of voluntary movement of the muscles and nerves that make up the face, also known as Bell's Palsy.


The cause is still unknown, and it can happen to anyone, of any age. It is believed to be due to inflammation or swelling of the nerve that controls half of our face. There is also a theory that it may be a reaction to a viral infection or stress.


Normally, the paralysis improves significantly within weeks, and complete recovery is between 4 and 6 months.



Symptoms of Facial Palsy


The first sign of this condition, occurs days before, the person may experience muscle weakness in one of the halves of the face.


The other symptoms appear suddenly and can be:

  • Sagging on one side of the face

  • Difficulty smiling, raising your eyebrows, or closing one eye properly

  • Jaw pain (behind the ear) on the affected side

  • Drooping of the corner of the lip (affected side)

  • Headache

  • Eye dryness (since the eye does not close completely or the blinking is not normal)



Risk factor's


Facial palsy is more common in people:

  • Pregnant (after the third trimester or the first week after giving birth)

  • After a severe respiratory tract infection

  • People with Diabetes


If there has been a case of Facial Palsy in your family, there could be a genetic predisposition.



Diagnosis of Facial Palsy


A Neurologist is the specialist indicated for this condition. Surely he will send you a series of studies such as:


In order to discard that, the muscle weakness is due to a tumor or a skull fracture.



Treatment


Treatments are different from person to person, your doctor will tell you which is the ideal treatment for you.


Some things you can do at home (verify with your doctor) are:

  • Lubricate your eye that you can't close properly

  • Wear sunglasses when you go out, so you don't get so much light

  • Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to relieve pain (if you do not have any restrictions to these painkillers)

  • Visit a physical therapist (who will help you with massages and exercises to relax your facial muscles)

  • Apply hot and cold compresses



Complications


Normally, there are no complications and in a matter of months your recovery will be complete, it is essential that you go to regular check-ups with your Neurologist.




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