ROMMER
Condition

Facial Palsy

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What Is Facial Palsy (Facial Paralysis)?

Facial palsy is a condition caused by damage to the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve), which controls the muscles of facial expression, resulting in loss of movement on one or both sides of the face. Inability to close the eyelid, drooping of the corner of the mouth, difficulty retaining food in the mouth, and speech difficulties are among the most common symptoms.

What Are the Causes?

  • Bell's Palsy: The most common type; usually develops due to inflammation of the facial nerve following a viral infection.
  • Stroke: Central facial palsy can occur in strokes of central nervous system origin.
  • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Facial paresis due to herpes zoster infection affecting the ear region.
  • Trauma: Nerve injury during skull base fractures or surgery.
  • Tumour: Masses such as parotid gland tumours or acoustic neuromas compressing the facial nerve.

Facial Palsy Rehabilitation at ROMMER

The goal of rehabilitation in facial palsy is not only cosmetic; it is to regain critical functions such as swallowing, speech, and eye protection. Key components of the programme applied at ROMMER:

  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Fine electrical impulses delivered to the paralysed facial muscles re-stimulate the nerve-muscle connection.
  • Mirror Therapy: Movements of the healthy side are reflected back to the brain as "healthy" input through a mirror, supporting motor learning.
  • Facial Expression Exercises: Specific movements such as raising the eyebrow, blinking, pursing the lips, and smiling are practised progressively.
  • Manual Therapy and Massage: Applied to maintain tone balance of the facial muscles and prevent the development of synkinesis.
  • Swallowing Therapy: In cases of dysphagia, a specialised programme is created in collaboration with a speech-language therapist.
  • Botulinum Toxin: Can be applied selectively in cases of synkinesis or abnormal increase in muscle tone.

Recovery Process

In idiopathic forms such as Bell's palsy, the vast majority of patients show significant improvement within the first 3–6 months. The process may be longer in strokes or trauma-related facial palsy, and regular rehabilitation is critical. At ROMMER, the programme is updated weekly according to each patient's rate of recovery; our goal is to return to social life and confidence as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does facial palsy last?+
Approximately 70–80% of Bell's palsy cases largely resolve within 3–6 months. However, the rate of recovery varies depending on the underlying cause, the extent of nerve damage, and when rehabilitation was started.
When should rehabilitation begin?+
Early assessment and an appropriate exercise programme started within the first 48–72 hours of facial palsy significantly accelerates the nerve's process of regaining function. A specialist evaluation is recommended as soon as symptoms appear.
Can I do exercises at home?+
Yes. Home exercise programmes created at ROMMER are one of the most important elements complementing clinical treatment. Patients practise short sessions of facial expression exercises in front of a mirror several times a day.
Can facial palsy be permanent?+
It depends on the severity of the underlying cause. The vast majority of Bell's palsy cases recover fully or very well. Partial permanence may be seen in severe nerve damage from stroke or trauma; in these cases, Botox and synkinesis management become important.

Would You Like to Book an Appointment?

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