Facial Palsy

What is Facial Palsy?

Facial palsy refers to weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, most often affecting one side of the face.

The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls muscles responsible for facial expressions such as:

• Smiling
• Blinking
• Frowning
• Raising the eyebrows
• Closing the eyes

When this nerve becomes damaged or inflamed, signals between the brain and facial muscles are disrupted. This can lead to loss of voluntary movement and facial asymmetry.

Facial palsy can affect daily functions such as:

• Speaking clearly
• Eating or drinking
• Blinking and protecting the eye
• Expressing emotions

Although facial palsy can appear suddenly, many patients improve with early treatment and rehabilitation.

How Does Facial Palsy Happen?

Facial palsy occurs when the facial nerve becomes inflamed, compressed, or damaged.

There are several possible causes.

Bell’s Palsy

The most common cause of facial palsy is Bell’s palsy, which is often linked to viral infections that cause inflammation of the facial nerve.

This condition usually develops suddenly and often affects only one side of the face.

Stroke

A stroke can cause facial weakness due to damage in the brain that controls facial movement. In stroke-related facial palsy, the forehead muscles are often less affected.

Head Trauma

Injury to the head or skull may damage the facial nerve, resulting in facial weakness.

Infections

Certain infections may affect the facial nerve, including:

• Lyme disease
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome (shingles affecting the facial nerve)
• Middle ear infections

Tumours

Growths such as acoustic neuromas or parotid gland tumours may compress the facial nerve and interfere with its function.

Neurological Conditions

Some neurological disorders may also cause facial nerve dysfunction, including:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Congenital Causes

In some cases, facial palsy may be present at birth due to developmental abnormalities.

What Are the Symptoms of Facial Palsy?

Facial palsy typically affects one side of the face and may cause several noticeable symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Drooping of the mouth or eyelid
• Inability to fully close the eye
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Loss of facial expressions
• Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles
• Difficulty smiling or frowning
• Drooling due to poor control of saliva
• Changes in taste sensation
• Increased sensitivity to sound in one ear (hyperacusis)
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Difficulty drinking from a cup or using a straw

Symptoms may develop suddenly and can vary in severity.

What Should I Do If I Have Facial Palsy?

If you notice sudden facial weakness or drooping, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

A doctor may perform:

• Neurological examination
• Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests if infection is suspected

Once the cause is identified, a physiotherapy programme may be recommended to support recovery.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists provide specialised rehabilitation programmes designed to improve facial muscle control and restore normal movement.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Facial Palsy

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring facial muscle function and improving coordination between the brain and facial muscles.

A physiotherapist will first perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate:

• Facial muscle strength
• Facial symmetry
• Nerve function
• Movement control

Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed.

Facial Muscle Re-education

Specific exercises are used to retrain the facial muscles and improve coordination.

These exercises help restore normal movement patterns.

Mirror Therapy

Mirror therapy provides visual feedback to help patients become aware of facial movements and improve control.

Soft Tissue Massage

Massage and manual therapy techniques help reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation in facial tissues.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

Electrical stimulation may be used to activate weak or inactive facial muscles.

Sensory Stimulation

Techniques may be used to improve sensory awareness and help the brain reconnect with facial muscles.

Relaxation Techniques

Patients may learn relaxation strategies to reduce overcompensation in unaffected facial muscles.

Education and Home Exercise Programme

A home exercise programme helps patients continue rehabilitation outside the clinic and supports long-term recovery.

Physiotherapy aims to:

• Improve facial symmetry
• Restore facial movement
• Reduce muscle stiffness
• Improve coordination of facial muscles
• Support emotional and functional recovery

What Should I Avoid With Facial Palsy?

Certain habits may slow recovery or worsen facial muscle imbalance.

Avoid:

• Overusing the unaffected side of the face
• Forcing exaggerated facial movements
• Ignoring facial exercises recommended by your physiotherapist
• Poor posture that may affect facial muscle coordination
• Delaying treatment after symptoms begin

Following a structured rehabilitation programme helps improve recovery outcomes.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Recovery from facial palsy varies between individuals.

Some patients recover fully, while others may experience persistent symptoms such as:

• Facial muscle weakness
• Reduced facial symmetry
• Muscle tightness
• Difficulty controlling facial expressions

In more complex cases, additional treatments may be required, including medical or surgical interventions.

Early physiotherapy can significantly improve recovery and help reduce long-term complications.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Our physiotherapists develop individualised rehabilitation programmes designed to restore function and improve quality of life.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Modern physiotherapy facilities
• Supportive recovery programmes

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients regain confidence, mobility, and normal facial function.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.