What is bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy refers to an apparently inexplicable attack of facial muscular weakness or paralysis. It could worsen with the passage of 48 hours after it began abruptly. It is caused due to damage to the seventh cranial nerve, which is known as the facial nerve. Pain and misery are usually observed on one side of the face or head.

There are chances of an occurrence of bell's palsy irrespective of age however, there are a significant chance of development for pregnant ladies as well as diabetics suffering from Influenza and common cold along with other similar infections. People, both the male and the female are the targets of it; however it is less common in children under 15 and also after 60 years old.

Bell's palsy is not believed to be irreversible. In rare cases, though, it doesn't go away. Currently, no cure for bell's palsy is known. However, recovery usually occurs two weeks to six months after symptoms begin. Most patients with bell's palsy regain full facial expressions and strength.

What are the symptoms of bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy symptoms may include the following and appear suddenly:

• Mild weakening or complete paralysis on one side of the face may develop within hours to days.
• Difficulty making facial emotions, including smiling or closing an eye, and drooping of the face.
• Pain in or behind the ear or around the jaw on the affected side.
• Increased sensitivity to sound on the side that is affected.
• A headache.
• Loss of taste.
• Variations in the quantity of saliva and tears produced.

Bell's palsy might affect the nerves on both sides of the face sometimes.

What is the cause of bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy has no known cause. It is believed to be caused by inflammation, which is directed by the body's immune system against the nerves that control facial movement. The following are sometimes associated with bell's palsy:

• Diabetes
• Sarcoidosis
• High blood pressure
• Lyme disease
• Guillain-Barr syndrome
• Toxins
• Infection, especially following infection with the Herpes simplex virus. This virus is associated with the widespread "cold sores" that occur in the mouth.

How is the diagnosis of bell's palsy made?

Your doctor can usually diagnose bell's palsy based on your symptoms. There isn't a specific test to diagnose bell's palsy. However, to evaluate the extent of nerve involvement or injury and to rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms, your health care professional may conduct testing. Such studies might include:

• Electromyography to determine the extent of nerve involvement
• Blood tests to rule out another illness, such as diabetes or Lyme disease
• To determine if your symptoms have a structural cause, get an MRI or CT scan

It is important that your doctor rule out the possibility of a tumor or stroke, as these conditions may mimic bell's palsy symptoms.

What is the treatment for bell's palsy?

In extreme circumstances, the paralysis may persist even up to one year, yet the majority of bell's palsy patients-some 90% will still recover completely. The remaining 10%, though, will remain with some type of permanent paralysis. This happens more frequently with elderly patients whose blood pressure already is elevated at the time.

Treatment options that may be applicable include:

• Preservative artificial tears to lubricate the affected eye
• A patch to cover the affected eye
• Tape to cover the affected eyelid at night
• Medication, such as corticosteroids, may be prescribed in order to diminish the swelling of the facial nerve
• Pain medicines
• Massage
• Facial exercises
• Botox injections would be helpful should, during recovery of the nerve, there develop unanticipated contractions of muscles of the face
• Surgery, although not a common form of treatment, and rarely ever successful.

What potential side effects may bell's palsy cause?

Bell's palsy is usually reversible and does not result in permanent damage. The most common sequelae of patients are the inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face. So, protection of the eyes at night or during computer work is important. Moisture chamber at night, ointment before sleep, and eye drops during the day are some examples of eye care products. This reduces the risk of corneal scratches.

Small percentage of people still have some facial weakness. If the eyelids are significantly affected by the weakening, surgery may be required. Others may have aberrant nerve healing that leads to spasms, uncontrollable facial movements.

What is the prognosis for bell's palsy?

The course of bell's palsy may vary from a few weeks to six months. In three weeks, symptoms generally start to gradually improve. By three months, as many as 80% of patients completely recover and have no symptoms of bell's palsy.

Bell's palsy may recur later in life. This happens in about 5% to 10% of people who have had it.

Will bell's palsy permanent?

The majority of bell's palsy cases are transient. You will most likely regain normal use of your facial muscles after some time. This is the case 80% of the time, at least.

Others will suffer from continuing weakness of the face. The longer you take to recover, the greater your likelihood of developing long-term complications. The following risk factors are associated with poor outcomes:

• Complete paralysis of the face.
• Being over sixty years old.
• Having a reduced sense of taste or saliva.

When should I talk to my doctor about bell's palsy?

See a healthcare professional immediately if you have drooping of the face. Drooping of the face is also one of the most important signs of serious conditions, such as a stroke. The sooner you know what's causing your symptoms, the better.

You may also recover faster if you start corticosteroids as soon as your symptoms of bell's palsy start.

You should see your doctor if you have been diagnosed with bell's palsy and experience any of the following symptoms:

• Symptoms three months after the initial diagnosis, that do not improve.
• Inflammation in the eyes which continues.
• Eye which does not shut.
• Dehydration resulting from difficulty in swallowing and drinking.
• Dizziness, vertigo or hearing loss.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for bell's palsy?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country. With the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in bell's palsy. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back