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Dubai, UAE: Bell’s palsy, a facial paralysis caused due to the inflammation of the facial nerve in the skull, could be of rising concern among residents in the UAE. The lesser-known condition is characterized by the inability to move one side of the facial muscles and is often mistaken for a brain stroke by patients’ due to appearance similar symptoms. Bell’s Palsy also causes drooping of the facial muscles, twitching, weakness, drooling, pain around the ear and increased sensitivity to sound.
According to most international population studies, 15-30 cases per 100,000 population of Bell’s Palsy are observed annually. Additionally, Bell’s Palsy accounts for 60-75% of acute unilateral facial paralysis cases with the right-side being affected 63% of the time. In rare cases, the condition can occur on both sides of the face.
The condition may occur due to a viral infection or sudden change in temperature which may trigger the nerve damage in the skull leading to paralysis of facial muscles. The damage causes the facial nerve to die and requires proper medications and treatment to help the nerve regrow to its initial length. Residents in the UAE especially need to be aware of the condition due to the high usage of air conditioners across the country. The sudden transition from extremely warm temperatures outdoors to cold temperatures indoors is one of the leading concerns associated with Bell’s Palsy.
“It is imperative that we educate residents in the UAE about Bell’s Palsy as people are unaware of its existence and often confuse it with a brain stroke causing extreme panic among patients and their loved ones. The numbness often starts from the mouth region and then expands to the rest of the face within 48 hours. It usually affects one side of the face, however, in rare cases, both sides may be affected”, stated Ms. Maria Kristina, Physiotherapist, Canadian Specialist Hospital
The traditional treatment usually includes medications and various therapeutic options and may take around 3- 6 months for the facial nerve to regrow to its original length, however, the face may not regain its original shape and may appear to be asymmetrical. In addition to the medications, doctors now recommend immediate physiotherapy as it expedites the growth of the damaged nerve and helps gain full recovery. Moreover, physiotherapy helps restore the original symmetry of the face and regain complete muscle movement.
Take the case of Eliza, a young UAE resident who developed the condition during her vacation in Europe. Following a hot shower, Eliza left the window open and fell asleep with her hair still wet and woke up with numbness around her mouth the next morning. The condition worsened in the next 48 hours and the right side of her face appeared to be paralyzed. During her visit to a doctor in Europe, she was prescribed medication and was told to wait for 6 months for the muscles to regain full movement. However, Eliza decided to fly back to the UAE and visited Canadian Specialist Hospital for a second opinion. At the hospital, she was referred to the rehabilitation department, where she was treated by physiotherapy in addition to the traditional medication. Eliza completely recovered her facial symmetry after 8 sessions and was able to move her facial muscles like before.
Ms. Maria Kristina, said, “When Eliza visited us, she was unable to fully close her right eye and move her right eyebrow, she couldn’t smile, whistle, eat or drink properly. However, after her third session itself, her muscles had started functioning and she was able to move her eyebrows and lips.”
The methods used during physiotherapy include electrical stimulation to help restore the tone and strength of the facial muscles, infrared radiation to improve blood circulation, facial massages to prevent drooping and facial exercises to regain muscle movement. Due to lack of muscle movement, patients suffering from Bell’s Palsy are unable to close their eye leading to increased exposure to light and dust. The constant exposure to air may lead to eye dryness and damage, hence, patients are advised to wear protective eyewear at all times.
“Bell’s Palsy is more common than thought due to the high usage of air conditioners in the region. The condition may occur from the transition of cool AC temperatures to the warm temperatures outdoors. Extreme cold temperatures in offices, houses, malls and cinemas may trigger damage to the facial nerve in rare cases and should be avoided. Kids area should always be moderately cool as they too are at risk of developing the condition”, added Ms. Maria.
Earlier, the methods used to treat Bell’s Palsy did not guarantee complete restoration of the face shape and symmetry, however, modern techniques have proved to achieve faster and better results without permanent drooping of the muscles.
“In Eliza’s case, it took a month for her to gain full recovery as she came to Canadian Specialist Hospital much later, although, patients can even recover in 2 weeks if given the right treatment immediately”, concluded Ms. Maria
Due to the onset of summer, doctors are advising people of all age groups to be careful and seek medical assistance in case of any sudden numbness on the face. Sleeping in extremely cold temperatures, leaving your hair wet in cold temperatures and sudden fluctuations between extreme temperatures should be avoided as much as possible.
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Canadian Specialist Hospital:
Canadian Specialist Hospital is one of the largest private hospitals in Dubai and the institution of choice for referrals from small and medium-sized medical centers that lack some of the specialized diagnostic and treatment facilities. CSH has grown to become one of the most advanced and comprehensive healthcare institutions in the region. To know more about Canadian Specialist Hospital, visit http://www.csh.ae/.
Prem A. Ramachandran
Managing Director
White Water Public Relations
GSM: 0097150-4537253
PO. Box 18936, Dubai, UAE
Email: prem@whitewaterpr.com
