Symptoms
It usually appears suddenly, over a few hours:
- One side of the face droops; the mouth pulls to the other side
- One eye will not close fully; the eye becomes dry or waters constantly
- Water spills from one side while rinsing or drinking
- Inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrow
- Pain behind the ear, discomfort with loud sounds, altered taste
If there is also weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or a change in vision, this may be a stroke — go to the nearest hospital immediately rather than waiting.
How treatment works at Arogyam
We first establish when the symptoms began and what may have caused them. The sooner treatment starts after onset, the better the situation usually settles.
Facial acupuncture
Very fine needles are placed at selected points on the face, temple and hand, working to improve circulation and activity in the affected muscles. On the face the needling is kept extremely light.
Acupressure and muscle exercise
The patient is taught exercises to do in front of a mirror — raising the eyebrow, closing the eye, puffing the cheek, pursing the lips — several times a day, in short spells.
Protecting the eye
When the eye does not close fully the cornea can dry and be damaged. Glasses during the day, covering the eye at night, and lubricating drops as advised by a doctor are an essential part of the treatment.
Working alongside other care
If you are already on medication from another doctor, continue it. Nothing here advises stopping any prescribed medicine.
Therapies used