BELL’S PALSY

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a disorder of the nerve that controls movement of the muscles in the face. This nerve is called the facial or seventh cranial nerve. Damage to this nerve causes weakness or paralysis of these muscles.

Bell’s palsy can affect people of any age, most commonly those over age 65 years. It can also affect children younger than 10 years. Males and females are equally affected.

The cause is often not clear. A type of herpes infection called herpes simplex or herpes zoster might be involved. Other conditions that may cause Bell palsy include:

HIV/AIDS infection
Lyme disease (an illness caused by the bite of a tick carrying the borrelia bacteria)
Middle ear infection
Sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues)

Having diabetes and being pregnant may increase the risk for Bell palsy.

Symptoms checklist:

Mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face occurring within hours to days.

Facial droop and trouble making facial expressions, such as closing an eye or smiling.

Drooling

Pain around the jaw or pain in or behind the ear on the affected side.

Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.

Headache

Loss of taste

Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced.

Rarely, Bell’s palsy can affect the nerves on both sides of the face.

What medical specialists manage Bell’s Palsy?

A team of healthcare professionals usually manages patients with Bell’s Palsy. These include:

General practitioner/Internist

Neurologist

Plastic Surgeon

Physiatrist

Physical Therapist

Self-Care Tips:

Because the eye on the affected side doesn’t close, it’s important to take steps to protect and care for that eye. Use lubricating eye drops during the day and an eye ointment at night to help keep your eye moist. Wear glasses or goggles during the day and an eye patch at night to protect your eye from getting poked or scratched.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen to help ease your pain.

Massage and exercise your face according to your physical therapist’s advice to help relax your facial muscles.

References:

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/bell-palsy#:~:text=Facial%20drooping%20can%20be%20caused,the%20muscles%20of%20the%20face.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370028#:~:text=Experts%20think%20it’s%20caused%20by,recovery%20in%20about%20six%20months.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or physician to determine the specific tests and treatment options suitable for your type of neuropathy. Each individual’s condition may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.