Main prognostic factors and physical therapy modalities associated with functional recovery in patients with peripheral facial paralysis

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Bell's Palsy in the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Bell's palsy, characterized by acute onset unilateral facial weakness, is caused by the paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face. This condition can result in functional disabilities, and early detection and management are crucial for quick recovery. Awareness was found to be one of the factors associated with early detection and interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the awareness of the population of Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, regarding Bell's palsy.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1,198 participants in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between May and July 2023. We used a self-administered online questionnaire inquiring about knowledge and awareness of Bell's palsy. We performed descriptive and correlation analyses, and a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated a statistical significance.

RESULTS

The mean (± SD) knowledge score was 7.02 ± 2.03 out of a total of 13 points. Almost a third of participants (n=353, 29.5%) expressed uncertainty about the causes of Bell's palsy, with 346 (28.9%) and 107 (8.9%) attributing it to idiopathic factors and viral infections, respectively. Most participants (n=520, 43.4%) believed both genders were equally affected, while 563 (46.9%) correctly identified cranial nerve 7 as the affected nerve. Treatment awareness varied, with 629 (58.2%) acknowledging physiotherapy and (n=777, 64.9%) acknowledging traditional medicine. Interestingly, only 111 (9.3%) thought that Bell's palsy was permanent, most participants (n=1023, 85.4%) recognized Bell's palsy as treatable, and 1,105 (92.2%) correctly perceived it as non-contagious. There were significant correlations between awareness and age (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), information source (p<0.001), nationality (p=0.009), and education levels (p<0.031). Addressing these gaps and demographic nuances through targeted educational campaigns is crucial for enhancing overall awareness of Bell's palsy.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate suboptimal awareness among participants in general, poor knowledge about causes and clinical manifestation, and a relatively better awareness of treatments. We recommend further studies exploring awareness and associated factors.

Rehabilitation of unilateral peripheral facial paralysis in Guillain-Barré: a case study

ABSTRACT Facial palsies have multiple etiologies, but have in common the negative impact not only on the functions of the stomatognathic system but also on the self-image and emotional expression. This article aimed to describe a case study of unilateral peripheral facial palsy caused by the Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Hence, it shares assessment and intervention experiences related to this type of change and presents its functional results. It also highlights the important role of the interdisciplinary team (which comprised a physiatrist, physical therapist, speech-language-hearing therapist, occupational therapist, and nurses) to catalyze the patient’s evolution and the management of possible complications. Moreover, it is rather important to integrate the patients as members of the rehabilitation team, empowering them and giving them responsibility for the success of the intervention.