Facial palsy is due to the damage in the facial nerve that supplies the muscles of the face. It can be categorized into two based on the location of casual pathology:
Central facial palsy- due to damage above the facial nucleus
Peripheral facial palsy-due to damage at or below the facial nucleus
FACIAL PALSY-It is the UMNL Of the facial nerve leading to paralysis of lower quadrant of the face on one side. The upper facial muscles are spare because of alternative pathways in the brain stem.
BELL’S PALSY- It’s the LMN Paralysis of one half of the face due to damage to the facial nerve on one side supplying the face.
AETIOLOGY OF BELL’S PALSY-
- Idiopathic
- Infective
- SLE
- Neuroblastic
- Neurological conditions
AETIOLOGY OF FACIAL PALSY-
- CVA
- Intercranial tumors
- MS
- Syphillis
- HIV
CLINICAL FEATURES –
FACIAL PALSY-
Paralysis of lower quad of face,
Deviation of mouth to the same side.
BELLS PALSY-
Loss of wrinkle on face,
Loss of expression
Typical bells phenomenon- i.e. upward and outward movement of eye ball when eyes are closed ,
Difficulty in closing of eyes,
Weakness in frawing, blowing air and muscles in distribution of V branches.
RISK FACTORS
Diabetes
Pregnancy – might be due to hypercoagulability, elevated blood pressure, increased fluid load, virus infection and suppressed immunity
Infection of ear
Upper respiratory tract infection
Obesity
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
- One study found that PNF technique is more effective than conventional exercises.
- Electrical stimulation
- Nerve root stimulation
- Splinting
- Facial muscle PNF
- Mirror exc
- Facial massage
For more info contact our best team of physiotherapists on www.dynafisio.com or call us at 8929294515