Overcoming the Challenges of Facial Paralysis

Whether it’s something you’ve lived with throughout your life, or the result of a sudden stroke or Bell’s palsy, the effects of facial paralysis can have a great impact on your quality of life.

Facial paralysis affects your self-esteem and your ability to communicate your feelings to the people around you, and that doesn’t even speak to the physical limitations of dealing with facial paralysis, facial twitching, and other related conditions.

But there are steps you can take to begin overcoming these challenges.

• Find a physician. Choosing a physician is the first step you should take on your journey to overcoming facial paralysis, and it isn’t one that should be taken lightly. Talk to friends and family, read up on practices and physicians in your area, and take care to select a doctor that is professional, experienced, qualified, and specialized. Above all, select a provider that takes care to make sure you feel comfortable and at-ease throughout the course of your care.
• Get an accurate diagnosis. No two cases of facial paralysis are the same, and the next thing you should do is seek out an accurate diagnosis from your physician. This critical step determines your course of treatment, and effects treatment outcome.
• Do your research. After receiving your diagnosis, it’s important to dig around and do some research on your own. Understanding your condition and its causes, and the treatment options available to you, can help you have more informed conversations with your doctor – ones that will ultimately lead to better treatment outcomes and a higher quality of care.
• Ask questions. If there’s anything you don’t understand about your condition, or what your doctor is proposing for treatment, empower yourself as a patient and ask questions. Taking notes during your appointments can also be a huge help, and can help you keep track of the information you’re given.
• Heed your doctor’s advice. Whether it’s a medication, physical therapy, or a surgical procedure, it’s important to follow the treatment plan outlined by your doctor.

To learn more about living with and overcoming facial paralysis, call New York Facial Paralysis today. We’re here to answer any questions you may have, and would be happy to schedule an initial consultation for you, a friend, or a family member.