ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: LADavid on February 20, 2008, 11:58:24 am
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So many questions. I noticed that a lot of you have referred to working with Facial Physical Thearapists when dealing with Facial Palsy. Is that the normal thing to do? The House Clinic never mentioned it. I have a list of exercises from the Bells Palsy Assoc. taped to my bathroom mirror that I run through 3 or 4 times a day. I haven't seen any sign of progress but it seems like a good way to wake up the nerves. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.
David
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Hey David.
I think it depends who you ask if it works or not. Some say it does, some say it doesn't. If the nerve is going to heal, it is going to heal with or without a therapist - the nerves seem to have a mind of their own and start working when they are good and ready and I don't think anyone has found a way to make that happen any faster.
I think the most important part of using a therapist when you do start to get some movement is to minimize or avoid the synkinesis that can occur. It's easier to make corrections when things are moving at the wrong time if you can catch it early and re-train your brain to get the correct muscles going. Nerves also seem to be set in their ways and once they get wired in there - it's hard to change.
I would think in your case, it would be important since you would want your face cooperating when trying to work! You can't play a very tough guy if you're winking at people when you try to talk, and you can't make a very convincing minister if you're snarling at people when you try to smile! :D
I would ask your doctor about it. Sometimes I think they just don't think about telling you it's an option, but if you ask them about it, they'll usually give you a referral without question. The Bell's Palsy website has a list of trained facial therapists, and I'm sure there are some in your area.
Lori
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Thanks Lori. Sounds like something I don't need to stress over. I'm still hoping that they decide to make a Pirates 4 and I'll be in perfect shape to do it.
David
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LA David,
It has only been a couple of months for you… give it time.
My first movement (1 mm in the corner of my mouth) came at 5 months and 3 days (not that I was counting or anything) ::)… this face thing is a real test of patience for the patient.
Cheers,
4
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David, can you get extra points with the casting director of Pirates 4, since your eye patch is actually needed, not just a prop? If you explain the trouble you went through to make it real, they should be very impressed... ;D
Steve
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David~
Good Morning! I agree w/ Steve, I think you should get EXTRA pay for AUTHENTICITY!!! As I sit here listening to Kendie watching "Curious George" and I am wondering if you have ever thought about doing voice overs or cartoons?? Just a thought...
Have a good one! I plan to -- I "THINK" I actually get to leave the house today!!! YEA!!
K
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Given time, the nerves can repair completely. However, sometimes the nerve strand ends reconnect to a incorrect strand. This results in synkinesis. That is where a facial reanimation, physical therapisit, comes in. There is a whole thread about this. The therapy is sometimes combined with Botox to paralyze the errant nerve/muscle. This allows for retraining in the correct movement.
I had facial weakness develop 2 weeks after surgery. Facial reanimation therapy was never suggested. However, I did my own research and ended up consulting and being treated by Jackie Diels at the University of Wisconsin. She is a medical advisor to the ANA board and is highly regarded. Much of her research is on the Bell's Palsy site.
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vcschaub ,
RE your synkinesis … how much resolve did you get with the errant nerve/muscle. How much normalcy did you regain in your face after therapy?
4
P.S. I e-mail Jackie Diels at the University of Wisconsin... and never heard back from her.
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David, I think if you get cast for Pirates 4, I should come along to make sure your eye patch is on straight. And if Johnny Depp needs any wardrobe assistance, I can help with that too!
Gosh, I'm always thinking of others.... :P
Lori
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=4cm:
I sent you a private message with contact information for Jackie Diels.
Also, in answer to your question, my synkinesis was pretty mild but it still improved noticeably, but I now need more Botox shots. My eye still closes slightly when I smile broadly, but the tearing ended and my mouth is symmetrical.