Serie de casos: parálisis de Bell con recuperación atípica: abordaje de terapia física

Abstract

Bell's palsy (BP) is the most common form of peripheral facial paralysis, affecting the seventh cranial nerve causing weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. Although it usually improves in weeks or months, some cases can cause serious sequelae, such as oral and ocular lesions and synkinesis. The annual incidence varies between 11.5 and 53.3 per 100,000 people, with 25% of moderate or severe cases causing permanent sequelae. Its etiology is uncertain, but it has been linked to viral infections, inflammation and anatomical factors.

Physiotherapy treatment of BP includes techniques such as the Rood method using sensory stimuli and electrostimulation. Other alternatives, such as acupuncture, are debated in Western medicine due to the lack of adequate regulation.

This study describes three cases of BP with significant results. The patients presented risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, which could have influenced their evolution. Despite having received previous intervention, some patients showed persistent sequelae. Physiotherapy was key to improving facial symmetry and reducing complications. It is noted that early and effective treatment can prevent the consolidation of sequelae.