Bell's Palsy Treatment (Cont.)

Physical Therapy for Bell's Palsy Treatment

Physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve and help maintain muscle tone may be beneficial to some people with Bell's palsy. Facial massage and exercises may help prevent permanent contractures (shrinkage or shortening of muscles) of the paralyzed muscles before recovery takes place. Moist heat applied to the affected side of the face may help reduce pain.
 

Alternative Bell's Palsy Treatment

Some alternative Bell's palsy treatments may be useful for some individuals. Alternative treatments that have been used for Bell's palsy include:
 
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Biofeedback training
  • Vitamin therapy (including vitamin B12, B6, and zinc), which may help nerve growth.
     
Before trying any type of alternative Bell's palsy treatment, people should discuss its possible benefits and harmful effects with their doctor.
 
People may want to ask these questions about alternative forms of Bell's palsy treatment:
 
  • What benefits can I expect from this approach?
  • What are its risks?
  • Do the expected benefits outweigh the risks?
  • What side effects should I watch for?
  • Will this alternative treatment change the way my Bell's palsy treatment works?
  • Could this be harmful?
  • Is this approach under study in a clinical trial? If so, who sponsors the trial?
  • Will my health insurance pay for this approach?
     

Surgical Bell's Palsy Treatment

In general, decompression Bell's palsy surgery, to relieve pressure on the nerve, is controversial and is seldom recommended. On rare occasions, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to reduce deformities and correct some damage such as an eyelid that will not fully close or a crooked smile.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD