General Discussion - Long-time-ago bell's palsy healing?

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Long-time-ago bell's palsy healing?

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about physical therapy in general for discussion.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=977
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Topic: Long-time-ago bell's palsy healing?

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Long-time-ago bell's palsy healing?
Date Posted: Apr 25 2012 at 10:30pm

Our user asked: "The left side of my face is partially paralyzed (cannot blink left eye alone without crinkling left side of mouth in tandem). The catch is this bell's palsy came and left almost 6 years ago now. I was a fool and wasn't diligent in massaging and taking care of my face during those few months. Is there any rejuvenation for me from my 6 year old nerve damage? Thanks"

Ask a PT Response: "To my limited knowledge, Bell’s palsy usually recovers in 6 months and after that point recovery is limited. After 6 years of no nerve activity, the muscles are likely so atrophied that return would be limited and take a lot of work. With nerve stimulation of massage, exercises and e-stim (in this case if the patient could get a home unit and work hard at it), I would be hopeful for some return, but there really isn’t research to support my optimism."