Face masking will be explained in this article. Masked facies (also known as hypomimia) is the loss of facial expressions that are most often associated with Parkinson’s disease. The form provides the affected person a fixed, mask-like expression, hence the term.
Masking can develop as the progressive loss of motor control spreads to the face muscles as it spreads to other parts of the body in Parkinson’s disease. Masked facies can exacerbate an already tense situation by alienating associates who are put off or concerned by the seeming lack of psychological reaction.
Facial masking can occur in conjunction with some psychiatric or psychological problems; however, in these circumstances, the cause is not due to a loss of muscle control, but rather to a psychological blunting (in some cases referred to as lowered affect display screen or, in the case of schizophrenia, the flat affect). Medications that might significantly reduce a person’s emotional reaction may have the same effect.
Parkinson’s disease and Facial Masking In 2021
Here are some specifics about facial masking that you may learn about in this article:
As a result, we often use the term hypomimia to describe facial masking in the context of Parkinson’s disease. It indicates a true lack of motor control rather than a physical manifestation of psychological blunting.
Parkinson’s Disease Masked Facies
It’s understandable for most of us to see why an emotionless face could be unsettling. People communicate not simply with words, but also with subtle, fast-moving facial character changes. Others may markdown or misread statements when the emotions do not match, thus a person who isn’t ready to express these feelings facially will be at a loss.
Masked facies is a sign of Parkinson’s disease that is degenerative. The progressive loss of motor control, not just of large limbs but also of finer muscle action in the hands, lips, tongue, and face. It is the disease’s characteristic function.
Hypomimia can affect both voluntary (such as a grin) and uncontrollable facial movements (such as takes place when an individual is stunned). There are also many levels of impact that doctors use to track the disorder’s progression:
- A neutral expression.
Hypomimia with a poker face. - Facial motion loss (diminution) is slight but extremely rare.
- A moderate amount of loss occurs most of the time.
- The significant loss occurs frequently.
Masked Facies Therapy is a treatment for those who have masked facial features
It is important to pay attention to your facial expression. According to research, people with Parkinson’s disease who have had therapy to improve facial control have a greater quality of life than those who have not.
It usually necessitates an intensive, therapist-led program that focuses on broader facial motions. Its like raising the eyebrows, stretching the mouth, and gathering the face at first. Some people with Parkinson’s disease employ a therapy called the Lee Silverman vocal treatment (LSVT) to help them talk louder and clearer. It employs expression exercises that are similar to phase acting techniques in which a person is taught to project and execute “speaking behavior” by:
– Maintaining a straight posture.
– Directly seeing someone in the eyes.
– Maintaining a positive attitude.
– Before speaking, take a few deep breaths.
– Emphasizing massive, booming sounds and short, sluggish words.
When people with Parkinson’s disease communicate in groups or one-on-one, the LSVT approach and comparable rehabilitative modalities (such as choir singing or voice amplification) have been demonstrated to be effective in helping them segregate and regulate certain facial muscles.
Conclusion:
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