Speaking as part of a specialist training day at University Hospital Aintree, Osiris’ facial rehabilitation specialist Helen Martin delivered a lecture including a practical session on the subject of facial rehabilitation.
The lecture titled ‘Principles of Facial Rehabilitation’ was organised by Mr Samuel Leong, Consultant Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon and delivered to the ENT Specialist Registrars . The session covered a wide range of issues including the unique psychological status of the face and facial expression, patient education and treatment of the flaccid or recovering face. A practical session on supporting the face through targeted taping was undertaken.
Time was also spent discussing the distressing effects of synkinesis. This is where undesired movements of the face occur when a desired movement is performed. One commonly seen synkinetic pattern is unwanted eye closure when the lips are pursed such as when drinking. Techniques to moderate synkinesis were demonstrated.
All attendees provided very positive feedback on the utility of the training and it provoked lots of questions and discussion around the vital role of specialist rehabilitation in the treatment of facial palsy.
Osiris facial palsy service treats clients who have a variety of conditions that cause facial weakness/paralysis. These include (although are not limited to) Bell’s Palsy, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, as a result of a stroke or the removal of a tumour such as a Vestibular Schwannoma (previously termed Acoustic Neuroma) or a tumour of the parotid gland. Learn more about our facial palsy service here.