Treatment for Bell's palsy can be done by taking medications and physical therapy, but most people recover completely in about 20 days to 1 month, however, these treatments can speed recovery. However, there are reports of people taking 3 to 6 months to fully recover, so here are the treatment options for Bell's palsy.
Bell's palsy is a facial nerve change that changes the facial expression of only one side of the face, with the result that one half of the face is totally paralyzed and unopened, while the other half becomes more contracted than normal. This change can be caused by viruses or sudden changes in temperature, but their causes are not always discovered.
The treatment of Bell's palsy can be done with:
Medicines
Drug therapy for Bell's palsy that may be prescribed by a doctor includes the use of corticosteroids, such as Prednisone or Prednisolone, and antiviral drugs, such as Aciclovir or Vanciclovir, which may start to be used within 3 days of the onset of symptoms. Vitamin B12 supplementation also appears to improve symptoms.
If the paralysis prevents the closure of one eye, it is necessary to pass an ointment directly into the eye before sleeping to protect it avoiding extreme dryness, and during the day it is important to use a lubricating eye drops and sunglasses to protect the sun and the wind.
Physiotherapy
In physical therapy sessions, the individual should perform exercises with facial muscles such as frowning, kissing, smiling with as many teeth as possible, and closing the eyes tightly. These exercises are important to strengthen the facial muscles and improve the blood supply of the nerve that generated the paralysis.
Doing stimulating massages and to break down muscle contractures can also be done to complement the treatment. In the first few weeks of treatment it is not recommended to use electrical stimuli because they may impair nerve recovery. Learn 16 exercises you can do at home to recover faster.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not certain but it also seems to help a faster recovery because it increases the local blood circulation.
How to feed
When the mouth is affected, the food should be normal. Forcing chewing is important to prevent the muscles involved in chewing from being severely compromised, however, it may be easier to start by eating chewable foods with more water such as fruits, for example.
Surgery
Surgery is indicated when nerve involvement becomes clear after electromyography.
Consultations with the psychologist may also be indicated for psychological support because when the face becomes very different it may be difficult to work depending on the type of contact the person needs to have to carry out his or her professional activities.
