This compression usually happens due to three common factor:-
Exposure to Cold
Viral infection ( such as herpes)
Raise in B.P or hypertension.
This nervesupplies facial muscle which controls different movement & expressions of the face such as raising eyebrow, blinking, closing eyes, lifting nose, smiling, frowning, blowing etc.
Patient usually complaint of water leaking (drooling of saliva) from side of mouth, unable to close eye, unable to chew food properly.Due to compression of this nerve, these function of the face are lost.
One of the important part to be taken care in facial palsy patient is to understand their psychology. People usually face social stigma that everyone asks them what has happened as face is deviated to one side.
It is primary duty of the therapist to do patient’s counseling when patient & their family comes with this complaint, as they are unaware of the outcomes and recovery. The therapist must explain to the patient & their family that the problem is totally reversible.\
Patient should not feel shy about the fact, since it is not a permanent damage. But one should certainly cover eyes with glasses, cover the face to avoid cold exposure, avoid eating cold food, use proper eye drops & keeping the skin clear as much as possible to avoid pimples.
With Physiotherapy, we regain the muscle strength by stimulating each muscles which is affected, individually with the help of a device called muscle stimulator, which helps in moving the muscle. This process is repeated for few sessions till the time there is cosmetically same movement on both sides of the face.
Patient is also taught some facial massage & facial excercises, also to be done at home till the time strength is regained.
