Things to avoid
Avoid squinting or squeezing the eyes shut
Clinicians with little knowledge about the consequences of a slow recovery following Bell’s palsy, often suggest that eye closure will be aided by trying to squeeze the eyes tightly shut. This is thought to exercise the muscles and make them stronger. Unfortunately, it makes the muscle more overactive and increases the severity of synkinesis around the eye and in the cheek muscles.
Avoid chewing gum
Sometimes people are told to chew gum to exercise and strengthen facial muscles. This should certainly be avoided as effortful chewing will inevitably lead to more synkinesis and muscle tightness in leading to delayed recovery. Keep in mind that when it is safe to start practising movement all movement exercises should be slow, gentle and symmetrical. Effort and force and constant repetition of movements, including chewing gum, should be avoided.
Avoid electrical stimulation
This kind of treatment should only be used under the guidance of a therapist with specialist training in the management of facial palsy.
As the facial nerve recovers, it will start to fire electrical impulses back into the facial muscles and you will see the muscle tone return. If you use external electrical stimulation at this point the muscles will become overstimulated. The result is short, tight, stiff muscles that cannot move. Tight muscles become painful and may spasm or twitch. It may also cause unwanted movement in the muscles on the affected side of your face, (synkinesis).
If there is every possibility that the nerve will recover spontaneously, albeit incompletely, then it may be better to let nature take its course. There is one group of patients who may benefit from electrical stimulation and who are not at risk of developing muscle tightness or synkinesis.
Be careful with makeup
Wearing and removing makeup may irritate the eyes. It may help to have makeup-free days to give your eyes a rest.
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