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BELL’S PALSY

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

BELL’S PALSY

Bell’s palsy is a condition that is characterized by a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

  • This type of facial paralysis results in an inability of the affected person to control the facial muscle on the affected side.
  • Many people may be afraid that they are having a stroke, but if the paralysis only affects the face, it is more likely to be Bell’s palsy.
  • It affects both males and females equally especially those between ages 15 to 60.
  • The condition is classed as relatively rare and can affect both sides of the faces in some cases.

CAUSES

It is often attributed to the inflammation, swelling or compression of the facial nerve that controls the facial muscle. This nerve passes through a narrow, bony area within the skull. A little swelling, inflammation or compression of the nerve pushes it against the hard surface of the skull. This can result in damage to the protective covering of the nerve and affects how it works leading to weakened or paralyzed facial muscle.

Bell’s palsy is often related to exposure to a viral infection. This virus may inflame the nerve, such as:

  • Herpes simplex that causes cold and genital herpes
  • Herpes zoster that causes chickenpox and shingles
  • Epstein-Barr that causes infectious mononucleosis
  • Adenovirus that causes respiratory illnesses
  • Influenza B that causes flu
  • Mumps virus that causes mumps
  • Coxsackievirus that causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease
  • Cytomegalovirus

The following risk factor may predispose you to develop Bell’s palsy:

  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Lung infection
  • A family history of the condition

SYMPTOMS

  • Facial droop and inability to make facial expression such as frowning, smiling or closing the eye.
  • A headache
  • Facial weakness
  • Drooling
  • Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
  • Loss of taste sensation
  • Muscle twitches in the face
  • Irritation of the eye on the affected side
  • Changes in the number of tears and saliva
  • Pain in or behind the affected ear or jaw

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosing Bell’s palsy is often a process of eliminating any other reasonable possibilities.  The doctor will look for evidence of other condition such as Lyme disease, infections, stroke and tumors that may be causing facial paralysis.

The doctor will look at your facial muscles to determine if any other nerves apart from the facial nerves are affected, the doctor will also check your head, neck, and ears.

If the cause isn’t clear, the doctor will recommend tests including:

An electromyography to measure the electrical activity of the nerves and a muscle in response to stimuli

Imaging scans to rule out other possible sources of pressure on the facial nerve, such as skull fracture, bacterial infection, or a tumor.

TREATMENT

Most people recover without treatment. However, it can take a while for the facial muscles to regain their normal strength. The doctor may suggest medications or physical therapy help with recovery.

MEDICATIONS

  • Corticosteroid drugs to reduce inflammation
  • Antiviral medications

PHYSICAL THERAPY

This may be beneficial in some individuals as it helps to maintain muscle tone of the affected area and stimulate the facial nerve. Heat may be applied to the affected side of the face to reduce pain.

SURGERY

A facial palsy that has not recovered may be improved by surgery. However, facial nerve injury and permanent hearing loss are possible risks associated with surgery.