(+27) 82 511 8212
Bells Palsy
Bell's Palsy is sudden, temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the face.
Ottis Media
Otitis Media is a middle ear infection causing pain, swelling, and sometimes fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops, causing brain damage and sudden symptoms.
Genetic Syndromes
Genetic syndromes are inherited conditions caused by changes in DNA, affecting growth, development, or body function.
Trauma
Trauma is a serious injury or emotional shock caused by accidents, violence, or distressing events.
Guillain-barre
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition where the immune system attacks nerves, causing weakness and possible paralysis.
Bells Palsy
Bell's Palsy is sudden, temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the face.
Ottis Media
Otitis Media is a middle ear infection causing pain, swelling, and sometimes fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops, causing brain damage and sudden symptoms.
Bells Palsy
Bell's Palsy is sudden, temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the face.
Ottis Media
Otitis Media is a middle ear infection causing pain, swelling, and sometimes fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops, causing brain damage and sudden symptoms.
Genetic Syndromes
Genetic syndromes are inherited conditions caused by changes in DNA, affecting growth, development, or body function.
Trauma
Trauma is a serious injury or emotional shock caused by accidents, violence, or distressing events.
Guillain-barre
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition where the immune system attacks nerves, causing weakness and possible paralysis.
Congenital
Congenital conditions are present at birth and can affect structure, function, or development of the body.
Bells Palsy
Bell's Palsy is sudden, temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the face.
Ottis Media
Otitis Media is a middle ear infection causing pain, swelling, and sometimes fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops, causing brain damage and sudden symptoms.
Genetic Syndromes
Genetic syndromes are inherited conditions caused by changes in DNA, affecting growth, development, or body function.
Trauma
Trauma is a serious injury or emotional shock caused by accidents, violence, or distressing events.
Guillain-barre
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition where the immune system attacks nerves, causing weakness and possible paralysis.
Congenital
Congenital conditions are present at birth and can affect structure, function, or development of the body.
Conditions We Manage
What is Facial Palsy?
Facial palsy refers to weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face, usually caused by a problem with the facial nerve. This nerve carries messages from the brain to the facial muscles, telling them how and when to move. When the nerve is damaged or compressed, often due to swelling, those messages cannot get through, and the muscles stop working properly. As a result, one side of the face may droop or movement of the eye, mouth and/or other areas of the face is affected.
Services
Comprehensive Assessment
Assessment begins with a detailed evaluation of the patient’s stage of recovery, facial movement, muscle tone, asymmetry, and the presence of synkinesis (involuntary movements).
Individualized Treatment Plan
Treatment involves the development of a personalized rehabilitation programme that targets specific facial muscles, movement patterns and patient-specific functional goals.
Facial Neuromuscular Retraining
Facial Neuromuscular Retraining (fNMR) is a specialized, evidence-based therapeutic approach aimed at restoring natural, controlled facial movement and symmetry following facial nerve injury or dysfunction.
Synkinesis Management
Synkinesis management involves specialized therapy aimed at reducing involuntary muscle movements that occur alongside voluntary facial actions, such as the eye closing when smiling.
Education and Support
Patients are educated about their facial nerve recovery timeline, realistic expectations, and effective self-management strategies.
Botox Planning
Facial neuromuscular retraining therapists play a key role in Botox planning for managing synkinesis and muscle hyperactivity.
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About
Facial Palsy SA
Facial Palsy South Africa (Facial Palsy SA) is a patient-centred initiative dedicated to the care, education, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by facial nerve disorders and movement impairments. We offer clinical support to people living with facial palsy and partner with healthcare professionals to ensure that every patient receives holistic, coordinated care from diagnosis to recovery.
Meet
Our Founder
Carianne Vermeulen is a passionate and experienced speech-language therapist with 20 years of experience across educational, public, and private healthcare sectors. She specializes in acquired neurogenic speech, language, cognitive, swallowing, and voice disorders, with a special interest in peripheral facial nerve palsies.
She graduated cum laude with her undergraduate degree from Stellenbosch University in 2005 and completed her master’s degree cum laude in 2010. She entered private practice part-time in 2009, transitioning to full-time in 2011..
Testimonials
The team at Facial Palsy SA is very kind, extremely professional with lots of patience. After the trauma of a brain tumour, my nephew suffered from facial palsy. Food and water leaked out when eating and drinking, eyes could not close properly, very little facial expression. Huge progress had been made after Facial Palsy SA's caring. They have the wonderful ability to explain complex concepts for easy understanding. My nephew has benefitted tremendously from it. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of facial therapy.
Pamela Lan
I have been thoroughly impressed with the treatment I have received from Facial Palsy SA. Since my very first session with the therapist, I felt welcomed and at ease. Their professional manner is great, combined with their expert knowledge helped me greatly with my condition. I am so thankful I found Facial Palsy SA and am grateful for their treatment. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for treatment.
Anonymous
In October 2024, I fell down 15 steps. At 22, waking up three days later with half my face paralyzed was terrifying. No one had answers, and some said it might never recover. I was scared to go out and felt hopeless. Then I found an amazing ENT who referred me to Facial Palsy SA. They gave me exercises and tips I followed religiously. They were caring, encouraging, and determined to help. By my last session, my face was nearly normal. Today, it’s 100%—like it never happened. I can’t thank Facial Palsy SA enough. There’s always hope with the right person.
Ceriann Scheepers
(+27) 82 511 8212