Any tips for recovering from Bell’s Palsy?

[treyandres]

Last Friday, I experienced a first time onset of Bell’s Palsy after playing a final run-through rehearsal the night before. At first, I thought the problem was on the non-paralyzed side of my face thinking I had caused a hematoma. Played a few notes, and everything seemed ok, so I thought I’d just ice that side a bit for good measure. Finally figured out what was going on by Saturday when I could no longer play. Air just started coming out the weak corner of my mouth, no muscle control to keep it closed. Tested positive for Covid later that day, so of course after seeing a doctor Sunday morning, it’s considered an onset caused by the viral infection.

This is my second time having Covid, and it was definitely much easier on me this time. Already tested negative on just day 7 following first symptoms appearing the night following the run through (sore throat, chest congestion). Last time it took me 17 days to get a clean test. I’ve also had 4 Moderna vaccinations, so I’m very surprised by the facial nerve inflammation resulting in Bell’s Palsy from an easier occurrence of Covid. Seems kinda late in the game for something like this to show up as a sensitivity. Doctor put me on paxlovid, which knocked the covid back very well for me once again, and prednisone for the BP.

Gotta admit, I’m pretty freaked out. Already missed a gig, missing another gig Monday, and missed starting summer jazz group at the community college tonight. Worried I won’t be able to hang onto the bass chair in my regular jazz group too if I can’t get this under control. Any previous BP sufferers here, do you have any tips for regaining control of that half of your face? How long did it take for it to come back? Did it come back completely? Have you ever had a relapse? Thanks in advance.

[Doug Elliott]

I haven't had Bell's Palsy but I know people who have.
Experiences vary widely. It may last 3-6 weeks or more. Sometimes there are residual symptoms that never go away, but usually it goes back to normal.

The last time I helped someone with Bell's Palsy I made a plate to hold the cheek in with CPAP mask headgear. It's not perfect but that sort of thing can at least help temporarily.

[baileyman]

Sam Burtis had it late in life. He couldn't seal the left side of his chops well. But by extending his thumb he could hold the leak back. Hopefully yours subsides.

[Burgerbob]

A guy at work had it, a saxophone player. He was able to come back to his full playing ability, but he was gone for 6 months or so.

[Doubler]

My wife had Bell's Palsy twice. This is unusual, and we question the coincidence of the second occurrence happening during her Pfizer COVID-19 regimen, years after the first manifestation. Nevertheless, symptoms receded within approximately 6 weeks in each case. Here's some helpful info: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articl ... overy-take

[2bobone]

The principal trumpet in our orchestra developed problems with missed notes and such. Doctors traced it to a viral infection in his "chops". The weakened muscles in his embouchure healed and he returned almost completely to his former self. A cruel conductor, who was totally aware of the trumpet players dilemma, sadistically ran him through one of the most exposed, lengthy and treacherous opening passages TWICE to see if he could 'break" him. He didn't ! In fact, the trumpet player played even better on the second time around ! My point is that Bell's Palsy [which is what he most certainly had] is transitory and that the recovery involves building back the musculature that was weakened from the disorder. THAT's the good news !! Good luck in your recovery ! You'll get there soon.

[GGJazz]

Hello all .

Here a Joe Alessi' video about this topic :



Regards
Giancarlo

[treyandres]

Hello all .

Here a Joe Alessi' video about this topic :

Regards
Giancarlo

OMG! Thank you so much! This gives me so much hope! Mine is the same (right) side!

[SimmonsTrombone]

I had it. There are facial exercises on the internet that are helpful. I still have a bit of weakness on my right side, but it doesn't affect my playing. Those muscles came back.

[treyandres]

Finished my prednisone this morning. My involuntary blinking came back, I can raise my eyebrow and corner of my mouth slightly, and can also flex my cheek pretty well today. Doing some of the embouchure stretching and mouthpiece exercises Alessi talked about in the above video, and seeking acupuncture treatment for next week. Feeling much better about my chances of recovery today. Thanks everyone for your insights and encouragement!

[rudytbone]

I had Bell's Palsy last year. Left side of the face. Missed about 6 weeks but am back. Takes time heal and build your embouchure - but it certainly can be done. Emphasis on the time. Everyone will heal at a different rate so don't be disappointed if your timetable is different from other people.

[treyandres]

Played my first rehearsal back with the big band on bass bone Monday night! Still a little leaky on the weak corner, but things improved pretty quickly over the last week. Everything up to F above the staff is good to go, anything above that gets the 8VB for now.

Tenor is a different story. Air pressure is higher, mouthpiece isn't as wide to cover and make the seal, and brute embouchure strength to hold it all together just isn't there yet. Gonna take a bit longer on that front it seems. Was able to eke out a high Bb Sunday; happy about that, though it definitely is not usable. After a few Fs up to As, I'm spent. But it is a VAST improvement over where I was at even just a week ago today. Things are looking up!