On Air Personality, Denrele Edun, says he once battled with a stroke that left him partly paralysed in the face.
Experts warn that facial palsy is a medical emergency and that the patient must see the doctor without any delay.
Speaking in a recent interview with Channels TV, Denrele said the sickness shut one of his eyes and left his face distorted, leading him to cover the affected side with his hairstyles.
He said at some point, he could not breathe well and also could not hear properly.
The 42-year-old television presenter described the period he suffered the partial paralysis as the “most challenging chapter” of his life.
The media personality said while he was battling with the stroke, a friend invited him for a movie shoot.
Denrele said he, however, attended so he does not have to explain why he could not make it.
“I had just come out of having a stroke on half of my face, I was very sick. But it still did not stop me from working.
My face was dropping on the right side. Anytime I had to drink water, it would pour out of my mouth. One of my eyes was widely opened and I could not hear and breathe,” the survivor explained.
Denrele is known for his fashion style and personality. He started his television career as an actor at 11 when he played a presenter/producer on NTA Network’s ‘Kiddivision 101’. He has won 16 awards and over 30 nominations in his career
Causes of facial paralysis
According to the experts at Cleveland Clinic, facial paralysis is the inability to move the muscles on one or both sides of your face due to nerve damage. Possible causes include inflammation, trauma, stroke or tumors. Treatment depends on the underlying condition that led to paralysis. Facial paralysis may be temporary or permanent.
Facial nerve damage can occur for several reasons, including infection, trauma or stroke. It can also occur without a known cause, which is referred to as Bell’s palsy. Face paralysis may complete or partial and can be temporary or permanent.
Can I reduce my risk of facial paralysis?
In many cases, you can’t prevent the conditions or situations that may result in facial paralysis — particularly in cases of trauma. And in instances like Bell’s palsy, symptoms often occur with no warning.
You can, however, take steps to reduce your risk of stroke — which will, in turn, reduce your risk for stroke-related facial paralysis:
- Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
- Treat and manage health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.
- Limit your intake of beverages that contain alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
