By: Adesewa Adeloye

Facial palsy often occurs in stroke patients due to damage to the facial nerve, which controls the muscles responsible for facial movement. Stroke can affect the brain areas responsible for muscle control, including the facial nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.

This article explores the connection between stroke and facial palsy, its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.

Causes of Facial Palsy in Stroke Patients

The root cause of facial palsy after a stroke is the stroke itself, which involves disruptions in blood supply to a part of the brain. Therefore, we can describe the causes of facial palsy from types of strokes.

 Ischaemic Stroke

Ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. This type of stroke can result in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the facial nerve, which causes facial palsy.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

Haemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding in the brain. This bleeding can put pressure on the facial nerve, leading to paralysis.   

Brain Injury

A stroke can cause damage to specific brain regions that control facial muscle function, leading to palsy.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Facial Palsy

Identifying facial palsy in stroke patients is crucial for early intervention. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:       

• Facial drooping, i.e., one-sided drooping of the face. 
• Difficulty Closing Eyes: Patients may struggle to close one eye completely, leaving it partially open. 
• Difficulty Smiling – inability to smile or grimace on one side of the face.
• Loss of Facial Expressions: reduced or absent facial expressions on one side of the face.

Observing any of these signs is usually a warning sign that requires taking an individual affected to the hospital as soon as possible. One-sided weakness of facial muscles is often one of the classical signs of stroke onset, demanding urgent medical attention. 

In stroke care, the earlier is always the better!

 What are the Treatment Options?

Managing facial palsy in stroke patients requires a team of different health professionals. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and other medical team members are all involved in providing holistic care.

Certain medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling that can worsen facial palsy. However, due to potential side effects, drug use requires a physician’s prescription. Also, in very severe cases of facial palsy, a patient may have to undergo surgery. 

Whether facial palsy is treated with or without surgery, physiotherapy is vital in rehabilitating patients with facial palsy after a stroke. The physiotherapist outlines the plan and progresses the rehabilitation program with the patient.

After an evaluation from a physiotherapist, some of the goals of the treatment may include the following based on an individual’s needs and goals:

• Enhancing Blood Flow: Facial massages boost blood circulation to encourage muscle recovery and reduce tension.

• Regaining Flexibility: Guided stretches are vital for loosening stiff facial muscles, improving mobility, and restoring natural movement.

• Resilience Building: Tailored exercise regimens improve facial muscle strength and mobility. These exercises rebuild muscle strength through controlled movements and resistance exercises.

• Neuromuscular training: Aims to restore brain-muscle communication disrupted by facial palsy. Physiotherapists may incorporate electrical muscle stimulation for this goal.

• Kinesiotaping: A kinesiotape is a special tape that supports and guides facial muscles, aiding movement and symmetry.

The Journey to Recovery

No two individuals with facial palsy after a stroke have the same features. Therefore, every patient’s condition is different and will require unique plans made in consultation with healthcare team members in line with the patient’s goals. 

Again, rehabilitation is a personalized path toward regaining facial muscle function and overall well-being. Therefore, by working closely with rehabilitation professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, patients can rebuild expressive abilities and confidence. 

Recovery from facial palsy in stroke patients can be a long and challenging journey, but it is attainable. With a collaborative approach, stroke patients can take steps toward regaining their expressive and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Facial palsy in stroke patients is a condition that requires early diagnosis and comprehensive care. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment are crucial steps toward improving the quality of life for those affected. With proper medical intervention, rehabilitation, and support, many stroke patients can regain remarkable facial function and lead fulfilling lives.