Bell's Palsy Case Study: A 55-Year-Old Female
A 55-year-old female sought medical attention for Bell's palsy, a condition characterized by sudden facial paralysis. She woke up one morning unable to fully open her right eye, with the right side of her face and mouth drooping. Additionally, she experienced a loss of sensation on the right side of her face.
After consulting with a doctor, she was referred to a physiotherapist for further evaluation and treatment.
During the examination, the following signs and symptoms were observed:
Inability to fully open the right eye
Inability to frown
Inability to lift the right corner of the mouth to smile
Limited ability to open the mouth widely
Loss of sensation on the right cheek
Tender spot near the right ear
Loss of taste
The patient underwent the following treatment interventions:
Ultrasound therapy was administered on the tender spot near the right ear.
Acupuncture was performed on the affected side of the face.
Nerve and muscle stimulation using an electric machine was conducted at a beginner program level.
The patient was instructed to perform specific exercises at home, including:
Using a small brush to brush certain muscles on the face while activating those muscles in front of a mirror.
The following lifestyle recommendations were provided to the patient:
Wearing non-prescription glasses to protect the right eye from dust and wind, considering her difficulty in fully opening and closing the eye.
Checking the temperature of drinks and food before consuming them to prevent scalding the tongue due to the loss of sensation.
Applying warm compresses to the face to improve circulation.
Avoiding cold drinks and cold/raw food.
Acupuncture with electric stimulation was continued.
Nerve and muscle stimulation using an electric machine was advanced to the intermediate program level.
Infrared therapy was introduced as part of the treatment regimen.
Ultrasound was continued.
After two months of treatment, the patient experienced significant improvement, reaching approximately 90% recovery. All her facial muscles regained their strength, allowing her to fully open her right eye, open her mouth completely, and smile. The tenderness on her face resolved, and she reported an 80% improvement in facial sensation. Her sense of taste returned to normal, leading to her satisfaction with being able to enjoy food fully. Considering her remarkable progress, she was discharged with instructions to continue the prescribed home exercises.
