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Suggest Remedies For Synkinesis Post Bell's Palsy Injury
Question: Hi Dr,
I was in the third trimester with my twins (36 weeks) gestation, when one fine morning, I was hit by Bell's Palsy (right side). I was given 3 days of steroids and anti virals and I had a C-section by which my twins were delivered. A neuro looked at me during this time and said my case was mild, however it look me close to 8 weeks to get better. I am currently 11 months post Bell's Palsy. I have lip asymmetry, but it is not too bad, I can live with this. However, my biggest problem is the synkinesis that I developed 5 months post Bell's. I have the following -
1. My eyes significantly close whenever my mouth moves in a certain way - like saying things "Ooo", "p", when I blow air using my mouth etc. Whenever I smile with my teeth shown, my eye closes significantly.
2. Whenever I blink, my jaw muscle moves to the right, which makes my lower lip move right. It is very visible when somebody sits close by and the twitch happens each time I blink.
I am very bothered with my Synkinesis and wondering if this would ever go away.
My questions -
1.Will Synkinesis get worse or better by time?
2. I live in XXXXXXX where I am not sure if there are qualified people who can administer Botox for synkinesis, so, I am very skeptical to try this here. What are your suggestions?
Thanks,
XXXX
I was in the third trimester with my twins (36 weeks) gestation, when one fine morning, I was hit by Bell's Palsy (right side). I was given 3 days of steroids and anti virals and I had a C-section by which my twins were delivered. A neuro looked at me during this time and said my case was mild, however it look me close to 8 weeks to get better. I am currently 11 months post Bell's Palsy. I have lip asymmetry, but it is not too bad, I can live with this. However, my biggest problem is the synkinesis that I developed 5 months post Bell's. I have the following -
1. My eyes significantly close whenever my mouth moves in a certain way - like saying things "Ooo", "p", when I blow air using my mouth etc. Whenever I smile with my teeth shown, my eye closes significantly.
2. Whenever I blink, my jaw muscle moves to the right, which makes my lower lip move right. It is very visible when somebody sits close by and the twitch happens each time I blink.
I am very bothered with my Synkinesis and wondering if this would ever go away.
My questions -
1.Will Synkinesis get worse or better by time?
2. I live in XXXXXXX where I am not sure if there are qualified people who can administer Botox for synkinesis, so, I am very skeptical to try this here. What are your suggestions?
Thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Botox can be useful in such cases
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Synkinesis can occur in some person with bells palsy due to aberrant invervation of nerve fibers.
Botox is a good option if drugs are not effective.
The benefit can last for 3-6 months and repeat dosing can be required.
In XXXXXXX too, neurology Institute like NIMHANS, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX pgi, sree XXXXXXX Institute of Medical Sciences provide botox facilities.
In private sector, Movement disorder expert can provide botox treatment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Botox can be useful in such cases
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Synkinesis can occur in some person with bells palsy due to aberrant invervation of nerve fibers.
Botox is a good option if drugs are not effective.
The benefit can last for 3-6 months and repeat dosing can be required.
In XXXXXXX too, neurology Institute like NIMHANS, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX pgi, sree XXXXXXX Institute of Medical Sciences provide botox facilities.
In private sector, Movement disorder expert can provide botox treatment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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