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| Photo from pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org |
Bell's palsy is a disorder that causes momentary muscle weakness or paralysis in the face. When the nerve that controls your facial muscles gets inflamed, swollen, or compressed, it might cause this condition.
One side of your face droops or stiffens as a result of the disorder. On the affected side, you may have difficulty smiling or closing your eyes. Bell's palsy is usually only transitory, with symptoms disappearing within a few weeks or months.
Although Bell's palsy can occur at any age, it is most common in adults between the ages of 16 and 60. The syndrome is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who was the first to identify it.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BELL'S PALSY?
Bell's palsy symptoms range in severity from slight weakness to severe paralysis. The more inflammation and compression that the facial nerve is subjected to, the more severe the paralysis and the longer it takes for the nerve to recover and restore function.
Bell's palsy symptoms can appear 1 to 2 weeks after catching a:
- cold
- infection of the ear
- infection of the eyes
The symptoms typically occur suddenly, and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or try to eat or drink.
Bell's palsy is distinguished by a drooping appearance on one side of the face and the inability to open or close the affected eye. Bell's palsy can damage both sides of your face in rare situations.
Bell's palsy also has the following signs and symptoms:
- facial muscle weakness
- a drooping mouth
- an inability to make facial expressions such as smiling or frowning
- difficulties pronouncing some words
- dry eyes and mouth
- altered taste
- drooling
- sensitivity to sound
- eating and drinking difficulties
- Face muscle twitches
- discomfort of the eye on the affected side
- headache
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right once. It is never a good idea to self-diagnose Bell's palsy. The symptoms may resemble those of other dangerous illnesses, such as a stroke or a brain tumor.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BELL'S PALSY?
Bell's palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve swells or compresses, causing facial weakness or paralysis. Although the precise source of this nerve injury is uncertain, many medical researchers believe it is most likely caused by a viral infection.
The following viruses and bacteria have been connected to the development of Bell's palsy:
- Herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and vaginal herpes
- HIV, which weakens the immune system
- Sarcoidosis, which causes organ inflammation
- Herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
- Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis
- Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection spread by infected ticks.
Many scientists believe that something can wake up a dormant viral infection, causing Bell's palsy. If you are stressed or have just been unwell, these could be potential causes. A recent physical trauma or even sleep deprivation could also play a role. A probable trigger is an autoimmune disorder.
The facial nerve is hypothesized to respond to infection by swelling, which creates pressure in the bone canal (known as the Fallopian canal) via which the facial nerve travels to the side of the face.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, face nerve irritation lowers blood supply and oxygen to nerve cells. Damage to the cranial nerve and nerve cells can result in facial muscle paralysis.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, certain persons may have a genetic proclivity to acquire Bell's palsy.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE BELL'S PALSY
To establish the amount of your face muscle weakness, your doctor will first do a physical examination. They will also inquire about your symptoms, such as when they began and when you first became aware of them.
While there is no single lab test that your doctor can perform to confirm that you have Bell's palsy, he or she can utilize a range of tests to assist in making a Bell's palsy diagnosis.
These tests can also help rule out other probable causes of facial weakness, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or Lyme disease.
These tests may involve the following:
- blood tests to see if you have a bacterial or viral illness
- Diabetes and other illnesses are detected by blood tests.
- Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can be used to examine your face's nerves and rule out the potential of a stroke or brain tumor.
- an electromyography (EMG) test, in which a doctor inserts extremely fine wire electrodes into a muscle to establish whether or not the nerves that control the face muscles have been damaged — this test can also identify the extent of the damage
- If Lyme disease is suspected, a lumbar puncture may be performed.
RISK FACTORS FOR BELL'S PALSY
You are more likely to acquire Bell's palsy if you:
- are expecting a child
- suffer from diabetes
- suffer from a lung infection
- have a family history of the condition
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BELL'S PALSY?
Bell's palsy symptoms usually improve on their own. However, it may take several weeks or months for your face muscles to restore their regular strength.
The remedies listed below may aid in your rehabilitation.
Medication
- Your doctor may advise you to use drugs such as:
- corticosteroid medications that decrease inflammation
- If your Bell's palsy is caused by a virus or bacterium, you may be offered antiviral or antibacterial medicine.
- OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce mild pain.
- To keep your afflicted eye lubricated, use eye drops.
Treatment at home
- a patch over the eyes (for your dry eye)
- To ease pain, place a warm, damp cloth over your face.
- massage of the face
- Exercises in physical therapy to stimulate your facial muscles
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS WITH BELL'S PALSY?
Most persons who have Bell's palsy recover completely and without difficulties. Complications may possible in more severe cases of Bell's palsy. These are some examples:
- The seventh cranial nerve may have been damaged. This nerve is in charge of your facial muscles.
- Excessive dryness in the eye on the affected side can lead to eye infections, ulcers, and even vision loss.
- You could be suffering from synkinesis, a disorder in which moving one portion of your face causes another to move automatically. When you grin, for example, your eye may close.
HOW TO COPE WITH BELL'S PALSY
What more can you do to manage with Bell's palsy as you wait for it to hopefully resolve?
- During the day, use artificial tears or eye drops: If your eyelid does not completely close or you are unable to blink, you may get a severe form of dry eye, also known as exposure keratitis. You may sustain corneal damage if you do not get treatment. Your eye doctor will be able to offer you more exact instructions on how many times each day to apply the drops. If you must use lubricating eye drops more than four times a day, select preservative-free eye drops that will not irritate your eyes.
- At night, apply a thick lubricating ointment to your eyes: This heavier ointment will minimize moisture loss in your eyes while you sleep, although it may cause cloudy vision. Apply right before going to bed.
- At night, tape your affected eye shut: To keep your eye from drying out over the night, seal your eyelid with surgical tape before going to bed. When you wake up, remove the tape gently so that you don't harm your eyelid or the skin around your eye.
- Use an eye patch if necessary: Some doctors recommend wearing a patch or using a moisture chamber over your eye to minimize moisture loss and prevent dry eye.
- Make use of a straw: When your mouth is drooping, it can be difficult to sip from a glass. Using a straw can help you avoid spilling water or other fluids down your chin.
- Speak with someone: If you're unhappy with your appearance, don't be afraid to talk about it with a trusted friend or even a counselor or therapist.
- Think about alternate therapy: Complementary therapies will not cure your Bell's palsy, but they may make you feel better. Consider using a favorite relaxation technique or another stress-reduction strategy, for example.
- Try to get as much rest as you can: It can be tough to deal with facial paralysis and the changes that it entails. Rest as much as possible, get lots of sleep, and concentrate on eating good, wholesome foods.
EXERCISE FOR BELL'S PALSY
A physical therapist will offer activities appropriate for each stage of recovery, and it is critical to follow their recommendations. However, here is an example of an exercise:
1. To prepare, deliberately relax the unaffected side of your face.
2. Stroke the affected side gently upward toward the cheekbone.
3. Massage the affected region as you go.
4. Lift the brow on the affected side with your index or middle finger.
5. Close the eye on the same side gently, using your finger to assist.
6. Gently press the side of the lips toward the center with one finger.
7. Gently draw the mouth into a smile once more with one finger.
8. 4–5 times per day, practice for 2–3 minutes.
SUMMARY
Bell's palsy is a disorder that causes weakening or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. When the cranial nerve that controls your face muscles gets irritated, swollen, or compressed, this is what happens.
It might be upsetting to be diagnosed with Bell's palsy. No one knows for certain what causes it, and there is no drug or procedure that will alleviate it rapidly. Furthermore, what works for one individual may not work for another.
Bell's palsy is typically a transitory ailment, but it can still demand a great deal of patience as you wait for the nerves and muscles in your face to reactivate.
Your doctor may be able to assist you by commencing therapy and offering assistance. It's also worth experimenting with a few methods to decrease the impact on your face — and life — as you approach recovery.