Bell’s Palsy is a fairly common disorder that affects nerves and muscles in the face causing paralysis or drooping of one side of the face. It affects patients of any age and either gender. The symptoms arise following irritation to the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) that supplies the muscles of the face. These include the muscles that raise your eyebrows, close your eyes, wrinkle your nose, help your smile and to open and close your mouth. The nerve also supplies the sensation to the front of the tongue, the sweat glands of the face and the tear ducts of the eye.

The cause of irritation is often unknown but may be due to a viral infection, circulatory problems or trauma, all of which may create inflammation around the nerve. A large percentage of patients with Bell’s Palsy fully recover. Improvement may be rapid or it may take several months. Physiotherapy advice and education can speed up your recovery.

Possible Signs and symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

• Facial drooping on the affected half

• Difficulty with closing one eye or finding it hard to blink

• Drooling from the mouth

• Excessive tearing or dryness of the eye

• Altered sensation on the side of the face

• Headaches

• Impairment of taste

• Impaired speech

• Dizziness

• Dull ache behind the ear and around the jaw

• Difficulty eating and drinking

Physiotherapy treatment for Bell’s Palsy may consist of facial massage, exercises, acupuncture and electrical stimulation.

Reference: http://www.thephysiocompany.com/blog/rehabilitation-advice-for-bells-palsy-facial-weakness