What we Treat / Bells Palsy

Bell's palsy is a disorder that affects nerves and muscles in the face causing paralysis or drooping of one side of the face. Most people who experience the condition are concerned about the unsightly unbalanced look it gives to their face but fortunately such imbalance resolves completely in most cases.

Bell's palsy can affect the ability to eat and drink, and it can be difficult to form normal facial expressions. If the face is mostly or fully paralysed, there may be a difficulty with closing one eye, which can leave the eye vulnerable and exposed particularly during sleep. Some sufferers may experience episodes of drooling from the side of the mouth. Bell's palsy may also be accompanied by a sensitivity to sound on the affected side. Some people experience headache and in particular may experience pain in the head just behind the ear on the affected side. This is often the first symptom of an incipient Bell's palsy.

Physiotherapy can be helpful to Bells Palsy in strengthening the facial muscles to avoid wastage and in resensitivisation of the affected nerves. Pain relief is also something that we can assist with.