Facial paralysis: physio in Casablanca

Facial paralysis

Peripheral facial paralysis results from damage to the facial nerve, the seventh cranial nerve. It can reduce movements of the forehead, the eyelid and the mouth on the same side. Some forms are idiopathic, known as Bell’s palsy; others have an infectious, traumatic or different cause that needs to be looked for.

Areas concerned: Head and face

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Common signs

Asymmetry of the face, difficulty smiling or closing the eye
Leaking saliva, difficulty drinking or speaking clearly
Sometimes a changed sense of taste or sounds that are hard to tolerate
Later on: tension or associated involuntary movements, called synkinesis

When to see a doctor

Emergency: sudden onset with difficulty speaking, weakness in a limb, loss of balance or another neurological sign
See a doctor promptly for any recent paralysis; treatment of Bell’s palsy is more effective within 72 hours
See an eye doctor promptly if the eye is red or painful or your vision changes, especially if the eye does not close fully

What physiotherapy does

Specialised rehabilitation aims at the quality of facial control, comfort and limiting associated movements. It is adapted to the stage and does not replace medical treatments or protection of the cornea.

Techniques used at the practice

Depending on the stage and the assessment: gentle facial massage and muscle relaxation techniques, massage inside the mouth to work on tension and the mobility of the tissues around the mouth, selective facial movement exercises, neuromuscular retraining and work to reduce synkinesis.

How the sessions go

Assessment of facial symmetry at rest and in movement, of eye closure, of the mobility of the lips and cheeks, as well as of tension and associated movements. A personalised programme with progression and regular reassessments.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Follow the instructions for protecting the eye and keeping it moist. Favour gentle, precise and controlled movements, without forced grimaces or excessive contractions. Only do the exercises suited to the stage of recovery.

Sources

Symptômes, diagnostic et évolution de la paralysie faciale périphérique (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Traitement d'une paralysie faciale périphérique (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Bell's palsy (new tab)NHS (Royaume-Uni), accessed October 26, 2026