why does it appear? Is it possible to restore mobility to 100%?

Facial nerve paralysis: why does it occur? Is it possible to restore mobility to 100%?freepick

Facial paralysis This is a complete or partial loss of voluntary movements of the facial muscles, which can be caused by injuries to the central nervous system or the central nerve itself. It usually appears on one side of the face, but can be bilateral and affect both sides of the face.

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Although there are many reasons, it explains Dr. Belen AlonsoDirector of the Facial Palsy Rehabilitation Group of the Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF), “the most common form (in 80%) is Bell’s facial palsy.”

“There is a lot of scientific literature that suggests that this may be due to nerve inflammation caused by viruses of the herpes simplex family, with pregnancy (in the third trimester or first week after birth) being a risk factor. upper respiratory tract infectionsdiabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.”

On the other hand, in the case of peripheral facial palsy, which occurs in 20% of patients, it can “be caused by other causes, such as trauma, tumors, autoimmune or neurological diseases,” the researchers explained. Dr. Eishe Abdel-MoutiSecretary of the working group on rehabilitation of facial palsy.

Justin Bieber postpones concerts due to partial facial paralysis

What are the symptoms of facial paralysis

Facial paralysis may be “warning you.” Previously, a banal catarrhal state and more or less intense pain in the postauricular area (behind the ear) may be observed.

“Its onset is usually sudden, and within a few hours facial paralysis manifests itself as obvious facial asymmetry both at rest and in motionwith difficulty, for example, raising eyebrows, closing eyes or smiling. Changes may also be evident in tear production, salivation, or the sense of taste.”

Facial paralysis can affect one or both sides of the face.

What is recovery like after facial paralysis?

Doctors emphasize that “most patients suffering from Bell’s facial palsy make a full recovery within 4 to 8 weeks.”

However, in 20 or 30% of patients, full recovery may not occur, leaving consequences such as weakness of facial muscles On the side affected by paralysis, synkinesias are observed, which are involuntary movements that seem to be associated with other voluntary movements (as, for example, when the mouth moves voluntarily, the eye involuntarily closes) or sustained muscle contraction, which consists of the appearance of contraction of some facial muscles at rest. .

The appearance of these consequences They can affect speech and pronunciation, making it difficult to communicate and altering basic functions such as drinking or chewing, making daily life difficult for patients with facial palsy.

Restoring eyelid movement is a priority.

Dr. Alonso emphasizes that “rehabilitative care for patients with facial palsy is recognized as fundamental, and coordination with other medical specialists as well as with therapists is necessary to ensure adequate patient flow and quality care. “Coordination with primary care is essential to ensure access and follow-up of these patients.”

“Neuromuscular re-education is the basis of rehabilitation, a complex process that requires the active participation of the patient. This is not about blowing up balloons or chewing gum, but rather about developing a specific work plan, initially guided by a therapist, in which facial muscle activity is retrained, while ensuring adequate motor control. Neuromodulatory drugs are also used to treat changes in muscle tone.”