Subject: [Dysphagia] Tx for Bell's Palsy

[SPalm1532 at aol.com (SPalm1532@aol.com)]

We see a lot of Bell's Palsy patients in our hospital and we use a facial  
muscle exercise program (FMEP) with the patients for which we received training  
at a DPNS seminar. This program includes e-stim (using a device that is safe 
for  the face), icing, vibration, massage and application of warmth in 
addition to  targeted muscle exercises. While many Bell's Palsy  patients resolve 
spontaneously, there are those who don't, especially if  they develop disuse 
atrophy during the acute phase. This program is also used  for our patients with 
facial paresis secondary to CVA or neurosurgery. Good  Luck! S. Palmer, MS, 
CCC-SLP