BELL's PALSY Treatment
What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It can occur when the nerve that controls your facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed.
The condition causes one side of your face to droop or become stiff. You may have difficulty smiling or closing your eye on the affected side. In most cases, Bell’s palsy is temporary and symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
Although Bell’s palsy can occur at any age, the condition is more common among people between ages 16 and 60. Bell’s palsy is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who was the first to describe the condition.
What causes Bell’s palsy?
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Bell’s palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. The exact cause of this damage is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it’s most likely triggered by a viral infection.
The viruses/bacteria that have been linked to the development of Bell’s palsy include:
- herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and genital herpes
- HIV, which damages the immune system
- sarcoidosis, which causes organ inflammation
- herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
- Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis
- Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks
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Physiotherapy treatment for Bell's palsy
Physiotherapy is important in the recovery from a Bell’s palsy.
The physiotherapists at Hills Physio care can provide you with;
Advice on maximising your potential for recovery;
- Advice on eye care
- A daily exercise programme
- Postural Realignment
- Soft Tissue Treatment
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The aim of physiotherapy treatment is to stimulate and, therefore, promote the recovery of the damaged nerve fibres.
