How To Avoid Synkinesis
Avoiding synkinesis—involuntary facial movements that accompany voluntary ones—primarily involves proper management and rehabilitation following facial nerve injury (most often due to Bell’s palsy, trauma, or surgery). While synkinesis can’t always be fully prevented, you can reduce the risk or severity with early and appropriate intervention.
✅ How to Help Prevent Synkinesis
1. Avoid Overuse of Facial Muscles During Early Recovery
- Don’t force movements (e.g., repeated grimacing or exaggerated exercises).
- Forcing movement before nerve recovery can lead to miswiring of nerve fibers, contributing to synkinesis.
- Instead, allow time for natural nerve regeneration.
2. Begin Facial Neuromuscular Retraining Early
- Work with a specialized facial physical therapist experienced in:
- Mirror biofeedback
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Facial massage
- This helps guide correct muscle activation and prevent bad habits.
3. Avoid Generic or Aggressive Facial Exercises
- Some online or general facial exercise programs (like exaggerated smiling, puckering, etc.) can cause uncoordinated muscle firing.
- Only perform exercises recommended by a trained facial therapist.
4. Use Mirror Therapy
- Practicing movements in front of a mirror helps:
- Improve symmetry
- Reduce unintended muscle activation
- Build conscious control over movement
5. Manage Inflammation and Nerve Health
- Early treatment of facial palsy (e.g., steroids for Bell’s palsy) may reduce nerve damage.
- Nutritional support for nerve health (under medical advice):
- B-complex vitamins (especially B1, B6, B12)
- Omega-3s, magnesium
- Avoid smoking, excess alcohol
6. Monitor for Early Signs of Synkinesis
- Symptoms like eye closing when smiling or mouth movement when blinking can indicate early synkinesis.
- Early intervention gives the best chance for limiting long-term complications.
7. Consider Botox (If Synkinesis Occurs)
- If synkinesis develops, Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can:
- Reduce overactive muscles
- Improve symmetry and function
- Often used alongside physical therapy for best results
🚫 What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Forcing facial movements | Can cause misdirected nerve regrowth |
| DIY facial exercise routines | Risk of improper muscle recruitment |
| Ignoring early symptoms | Delay in therapy can worsen long-term outcomes |
| Waiting too long for therapy | Early retraining is key to preventing synkinesis |
Summary
Best prevention = Early intervention + Skilled guidance.
If you’ve had facial nerve palsy or surgery, request a referral to a facial rehabilitation specialist early—even if function appears to be returning. That’s your best chance to avoid synkinesis.