Treating Bell’s Palsy With Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Case Report

Abstract

Bell's palsy (BP) occurs when the facial nerve (CN VII) is swollen, inflamed, or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis; etiology is unknown. BP patients often succumb to a decreased quality of life due to the inability to make facial expressions, increased sensitivity to auditory stimuli, and dysregulation in tear and saliva production. Despite conventional examination and therapy options, the syndrome is majorly regarded as idiopathic and left unresolved for many patients. In this case of a patient with BP, treatment with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) which focused on restoring a normal structure-function relationship resolved the patient's symptoms. The osteopathic manipulative procedures utilized findings from an osteopathic structural exam and addressed those somatic dysfunctions with OMT. The authors report that the patient's symptoms improved after the application of OMT and without the use of pharmaceuticals. The results of the case study suggest that treating BP with OMT can rapidly improve symptoms and can be used without or concurrently with other treatment modalities, if applicable. Patient's consent for this case report was obtained in written and verbal form.

Back to Play Considerations in a Patient With Bell’s Palsy: A Case Report and Review

“…Considerations to cranial, lymphatic, cervical, and sacral somatic dysfunctions with subsequent osteopathic manipulative corrections have been the focus of several case reports [ 14 - 15 ]. Specifically, cranial sacral OMT has been postulated to relieve pressure on cranial nerve VII, thus reducing the severity and duration of Bell's palsy symptoms arising from the facial nerve [ 14 ]. Furthermore, enhancing lymphatic flow can also be used to expedite the recovery of Bell’s palsy, particularly by focusing OMT on restrictions found in the respiratory diaphragm, thoracic outlet, sub-occipital diaphragm, and cerebellum tentorium [ 15 ].…”

“…[7,12] While not utilized in this case, an osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is another modality that can be considered in the management of athletes with Bell's palsy. Considerations to cranial, lymphatic, cervical, and sacral somatic dysfunctions with subsequent osteopathic manipulative corrections have been the focus of several case reports [14][15]. Specifically, cranial sacral OMT has been postulated to relieve pressure on cranial nerve VII, thus reducing the severity and duration of Bell's palsy symptoms arising from the facial nerve [14].…”

Neurophysiology, Neuro-Immune Interactions, and Mechanobiology in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: An Evidence-Informed Perspective for a Scientific Rationale

“…Cerritelli et al, 2015 [30] A 3-armed randomized controlled trial (OMT + medical therapy vs. sham + medical therapy vs. medical therapy) Biondi, 2005 [29] Review about chiropractic, osteopathic, physical therapy, or massage interventions Facial pain Detoni et al, 2022 [31] Randomized controlled study about OMT vs. molar shim Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TJD) Easterbrook et al, 2019 [32] Commentary with video to show osteopathic approach Lancaster and Crow, 2006 [33] Case report Bell's paralysis Volokitin et al, 2020 [34] Case report Karp et al, 2019 [35] Retrospective case review about facial rehabilitation Facial nerve dysfunctions (and other conditions related to exocranial nerve dysfunction) Khan et al, 2022 [36] Systematic review about massage, exercise, and facial rehabilitation…”