Speech long term

[LauraM38]

Hi. I have had bells palsy for 9 years. I get botox every 3 months. The past few weeks I have been really struggling with my speech. Has anyone else experienced this and have any advice?

[Gillyjane]

Hi - yes I can relate to this. I put it down to cold weather and stress.I was having Botox up until just over a year ago (I have had Bells Palsy/synkinesis for almost 5 years) and in the last few months I have started to struggle again and my face has felt very tight. I find that I avoid talking to people I don't know very well as my mouth doesn't feel as though it is moving properly. My eye has also been more painful and this was doing really well. My last appointment with the ophthalmologist at the end January was fine and it seems to have deteriorated again since then!

Just hope that if and when stress levels reduce and weather improves, my face will feel more relaxed. I have just booked for a hot stone facial massage which I find quite helpful and relaxing. Also massaging my face myself with a nice moisturiser.

[Catherin81]

Yes, i had the onset of bell's palsy in June 2023 and currently have synkinesis...I have real issues with any words beginning with B or P and also feel when I'm talking I general my whole mouth pulling to one side

[Laura-FPUK]

Hi Laura, it could be worth speaking to your botox provider if you've noticed it being worse recently. Is your botox provider a facial palsy specialist?

Thanks, Laura.