Physiotherapy Management of Bell's Palsy in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Uchechukwu B Abioke, Wonderful Anosike, Aliyu O Olaniyi, Ijeoma L Okwuowulu, Madhumati Mandal, Chisom Y Eze
TL;DR
This case report shows how physiotherapy helped an elderly man recover from Bell's palsy, improving facial function and muscle tone.
Contribution
The paper presents a novel case of successful physiotherapy intervention for an elderly patient with Bell’s palsy.
Findings
The patient's House-Brackmann score improved from grade IV to III.
Facial symmetry and muscle tone significantly improved with physiotherapy.
Functional abilities like drinking and chewing were regained.
Abstract
Bell’s palsy is a sudden-onset, unilateral facial paralysis most commonly regarded as idiopathic in origin. This case report discusses the physiotherapy management of a 75-year-old male with idiopathic Bell’s palsy. A structured physiotherapy regimen involving electrical stimulation, Kinesio taping, massage, and facial exercises was administered. Improvements were observed as the patient’s House-Brackmann score progressed from grade IV to III. Facial symmetry improved significantly, and muscle tone progressed from hypotonia to normotonia. Functional recovery, including the regained ability to drink water from a cup, along with notable improvements in oral motor functions such as chewing and articulation. Early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach combining medical and physiotherapy management facilitated recovery.
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Taxonomy
TopicsFacial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research · Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation · Peripheral Nerve Disorders