KEY POINTS
- As they navigated through this life-changing experience, Dax and Gaby decided to share their journey with the hope of shedding light on Bell’s palsy, raising awareness, and inspiring others who may face similar challenges.
- According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Bell's palsy is characterised by an acute onset of unilateral, lower motor neuron weakness of the facial nerve in the absence of an identifiable cause. The annual incidence is estimated to be 11–40 per 100,000, with a lifetime risk of one in 60.
- Dax Carnay-Hanrahan is a multi-talented artist, writer, and actor, while Gabriela Luis Martinez works as a supervisor in the food and beverage industry.
While I was drinking water, it started to spill on one side of my face. I felt that it was already numb, so I went to the bathroom and saw my face in the mirror. That’s when I called my friend, who is a nurse, and then went straight to the ER.Gabriela Luis Martinez
On the day I was diagnosed, I still went to do my show that night. My face wasn't moving, but everything else was normal. I just pushed through it. I was really crushed; I was crying in the hospital because I rely on my face for my job.Dax Carnay- Hanrahan
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
How two Filipinos confronted the unexpected diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy
SBS Filipino
03/10/202415:08
Healthy Pinoy is SBS Filipino's weekly segment on health. The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your GP or doctor for support.
