Colder weather can often exacerbate the symptoms of Facial Palsy. We’ve gathered together some useful information and winter weather tips to help you manage your symptoms when the weather turns chilly.
Facial pain
If you have residual symptoms from acquired Facial Palsy, you may experience more facial pain during winter compared to the warmer summer months. This seasonal pain is normally related to increased muscle tone in response to the cold. Cold air and low temperatures, especially when combined with windy conditions, make facial muscles tighter or more bunched than normal. These symptoms are often accompanied by increased facial pain and a decrease in muscle suppleness and mobility. To help prevent this, be aware of sudden changes in temperature and cold weather conditions. Try to protect your face from the elements by wearing a balaclava or a thick scarf that you can wrap around your face. There is a wide range of face masks from those used by skiers to those used by motorcyclists. The style is a personal choice, but they should cover the face as shown in the images.
To reduce muscle pain and tightness try using a microwaveable heat pack on your face. The online company ‘Wheaty Bags’ produce a range of microwavable heat packs including ones specifically for the face (always follow the instructions when microwaving the bags).
After using heat to relax the facial muscles and improve the circulation, you can then mobilise the muscles gently by massaging your face as shown in the video on the link below:
If you have the opportunity, you can try some facial relaxation and perhaps build this into your daily routine. Have a look at the links below and see which method suits you the best. Relaxation helps teach the nerve how to rest when you are not moving your face and so lowers the muscle tone and allows the muscles to relax.
Relaxing meditation for patients with synkinesis – video
Breath and meditation practice – video
Dry eyes
During the winter we often turn up the thermostat and keep our central heating on for longer and maybe overnight. This can cause the atmosphere to become dry which may aggravate symptoms of dry eye. You may find that you develop excess tearing which is the body’s way of telling you your eye is dry. Your eye may become itchy and sore after months of being without these symptoms. This means you will need to use your eye lubrication/drops more frequently or start using them again if you have stopped. If you are using previously stored eye drops, it is important to check that they are still in date, have been stored at the correct temperature, and are preservative-free. The links below provide general advice and information about eye care:
Important note:
Links to products should not be taken as specific recommendations. It’s important to do your own research and find the product that suits you best. If in doubt about medical products, please always consult your GP.
Last reviewed: 16-10-2023 || Next review due: 16-10-2025
