Bells Palsy
Map of the 7th cranial nerve and its branches
Bells Palsy is caused by acute inflammatory damage of the 7th cranial nerve. This results in the muscles of the face becoming weakened or paralyzed. It is usually a unilateral phenomenon, affecting either the left or right side.
The etiology of most cases is unknown, however theories point to either a viral or immuno-reactive cause. As in my case, it is also four times more common in the third trimester of pregnancy.
85% of all patients completely recover in a few months, however 15% are left with permanent damage ranging from mild to severe. Unfortunately, I fell in the severe category, leaving me with muscle weakness, paralysis, and synkinesis from aberrant nerve regrowth.
There is no cure for Bells Palsy. The nerves that fail to regrow, or are miswired to the incorrect muscles cannot be recovered. (Stem cell research anyone?). The only hope for regaining any function or symmetry is through retraining and physical therapy. However, studies have been minimal and inconclusive as to their effectiveness. I can only hope for my central neuroplasticity to reign supreme. Botox also proves useful for synkinesis (and has helped me from squinting too much when I smile, but I still have to tape my eye shut every night).
Aside from the physical complications of Bells palsy (ranging from eye dryness, to muscle soreness, to ear ringing, pain, stiffness, eating complications, unable to blow bubbles, balloons, kiss, suck a milkshake through a straw, etc.), the psychic effects are often left undiscussed, yet can yield the greatest overall trauma.
Our faces are our identities. They tell our stories. They reveal our feelings. They make us feel attractive. And for a performer, our faces are our livelihood.
What does it mean to lose your face?
For me, it has been a journey. I have learned more about myself with my disability than the many years without it.
On the superficial level, I have found new ways to communicate in this state (thankfully, my children are no longer asking “are you angry Mom?” when I am actually very happy...they see my smile in other ways...). I have also re-learned how to sing and how to express with my voice, body, and half a face. In a way, it has made me more musical.
On a deeper level, it has shown me what is really important. It has shown me who I am beyond my face.
And to that, in a strange way, I am indebted to my palsy.
It is my hope to create awareness for this disability, which affects 1 in 4000 people. Although many fully recover, those months when they are without their faces
requires a unique understanding and empathy which goes beyond the physical. And for those of us who have it for a lifetime, I want it to be a life of joy, not shame.
...I FEEL PRETTY, OH SO PRETTY...
Map of the facial muscles
Me at 1 month post palsy: my left (=healthy) eye is blinking when the camera went off: you can see my right eye is completely paralyzed
resources:
http://www.bellspalsy.ws/ -- the most comprehensive
lhttp://www.bellspalsy.net/ - good for news updates
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/bells/index_files/hbscale.htm
-rating scale for severity: I started out a VI and am now steady at IV...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bells_palsy - good ol’ wiki
