Cases Of Facial Paralysis In Post-Covid Patients Increasing: Here’s What You Need To Know

Coronavirus is a virus that is linked to severe neurological complications like brain fog, encephalitis or meningitis.

Well, recently there are rising cases reported of temporary facial paralysis known as Bell’s palsy in post-Covid patients.

Earlier, many patients who have been recovered from COVID-19 have reported neurological complications like Guillain Barre Syndrome, dementia, meningitis, encephalitis, and even mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection. Now, coronavirus has also been associated with Bell’s palsy or facial palsy that can be described as a facial nerve disorder.

“Bell’s palsy or facial palsy is due to an attack on the facial nerve leading to its inflammation, swelling and compression. The nerves can no longer control the muscles in the face leading to the inability to close the eye, a drooping face from one side, loss of weak muscles and distortion in the face though temporary. It’s associated with altered taste and sensitivity to sound occasionally. Facial palsy is commonly seen after a viral infection such as herpes virus infection and has become more frequent after the COVID pandemic. Research shows in some cases facial paralysis may be the first symptom of Covid-19, even before fever or loss of smell and taste. Various studies have proven increase incidence of facial palsy with COVID-19 disease however this association has not been seen with COVID vaccination. All patients with facial palsy are treated by a neurologist. Timely recognition and early institution of treatment by hastening recovery. Facial exercise under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist shortens the recovery time, said Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma Director – Neurology Fortis Noida.

In most cases, Covid patients with Bell’s palsy are treated with medicines and physiotherapy and completely cured within three weeks of physiotherapy treatment.

So, if there is any sign of weakness you feel then visit your neurologist who will help you with the correct diagnosis and once diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, he will guide you with a treatment plan with Medicines and Physiotherapy.