Treatment Options For Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a disorder caused by trauma to the seventh cranial nerve resulting in paralysis and stiffness of the muscles in the face. The disorder typically only affects one side of the face. While Bell's palsy can affect anyone, research indicates individuals with diabetes and those recovering from viral infections are the most at risk for developing the disorder. In most cases, Bell's palsy is a temporary issue, and most patients make a full recovery. Not every individual diagnosed with Bell's palsy will require treatment and those who do require medical intervention have a wide array of treatment options. Let's get to know some of them now.

Physical Therapy

Bell's palsy causes paralysis of the facial muscles and continued non-use of these muscles can result in atrophy, making it difficult for patients to regain full use of certain facial muscles once the disorder is no longer an issue. Patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy are typically referred for physical therapy. When working with a physical therapist, patients will engage in facial exercises to work their paralyzed muscles to increase elasticity and motor function and prevent atrophy, as well as learn specific massage techniques that help to increase blood flow and oxygen to the facial muscles to prevent damage.

Keep reading to reveal the next treatment option available for Bell's palsy.

Surgery

For those individuals who have engaged in a variety of treatment methods, but have received little or no relief from their symptoms of Bell's palsy, surgery may be recommended. This is considered the last resort, as there is a high risk of damage to the facial nerve and permanent hearing loss. It consists of creating an incision in the bony passage where the facial nerve resides, thereby relieving pressure on the nerve and eliminating symptoms. Some individuals experience lasting effects of Bell's palsy, such as continued facial stiffness and paralysis, even after all other symptoms have dissipated. In these cases, plastic surgery is required to correct the damage caused to the facial muscles and nerves.

Get to know the next treatment method for Bell's palsy.