Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. Bell’s palsy causes droopiness on one or both sides of the face. The ailment is usually not dangerous and resolves on its own within a few months.

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a condition that results in sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face, causing it to droop. This weakness is usually temporary and significantly improves over a few weeks. 

Bell’s palsy, also known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unclear cause can occur at any age. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but experts believe it is caused by swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face. It is often associated with a viral infection.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy symptoms normally improve within a few weeks, and total healing takes around six months. However, some people may continue to have some symptoms for life. 

Bell’s palsy symptoms appear suddenly and may include:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face that causes it to droop
• Difficulty closing your eye on the affected side
• Drooling
• Pain in the jaw or behind the ear on the affected side.
• Headache
• Light and sound sensitivity on the affected side
• A decrease in your ability to taste
• Difficulty eating or drinking because of lack of control over the muscles of the face

Causes of Bell’s Palsy

The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be due to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve, known as the seventh cranial nerve. The following conditions are sometimes linked to Bell’s palsy:

·      Diabetes

·      Lyme disease

·      Injury

·      High blood pressure

·      Toxins

·      Guillain-Barré syndrome

·      Myasthenia gravis

·      Sarcoidosis

·      Multiple sclerosis

·      Viral infections, particularly herpes simplex virus (HSV) or herpes zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles).

Risk Factors for Bell’s Palsy

Several factors may increase the risk of developing Bell’s Palsy, including:

• Having a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or HIV/AIDS
• Having diabetes
• Being pregnant, especially during the third trimester
• Having a family history of Bell’s palsy
• Having a lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Having a condition that weakens the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Complications of Bell’s Palsy

While Bell’s Palsy typically resolves on its own within a few weeks to months, complications may include:

• Permanent damage to the facial nerve
• Persistent facial weakness or paralysis
• Eye damage due to the inability to close the eye completely
• Changes in the shape of the face

Bell’s palsy typically goes away quickly within a few weeks to months. It doesn’t result in any long-term issues. Nonetheless, the majority of Bell’s palsy sufferers are unable to close their eyes on the side of their faces that is afflicted when they are ill. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your eyes from drying out at night or when using a computer. During the day, eye drops can be used, and at night, a moisture chamber or ointment can be applied. This lessens the chance of scratches to the cornea.

Diagnosing Bell’s Palsy

There is no specific test for Bell’s palsy. Your doctor will check your face and ask you to move your facial muscles. 

Other illnesses that can induce facial muscular paralysis include:

·      Strokes

·      Infections

·      Lyme disease

·      Inflammation

·      Tumors

If the cause is unclear, your doctor may recommend:

·      Electromyography (EMG) determines the severity of nerve injury by detecting muscle electrical activity in response to stimuli.

·      Imaging studies such as MRI or CT may be required to rule out other causes of facial nerve pressure, such as tumors or skull fractures.

·      Blood tests help to rule out illnesses like Lyme disease or diabetes.

Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Most Bell’s palsy cases resolve fully without treatment. Treatment options like medication or physical therapy can aid recovery, but surgery is rare. Treatment options may include:

1.  Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve.

2.  Antiviral medications, particularly if the onset of symptoms is associated with a viral infection.

3.  Eye protection, such as lubricating eye drops or ointments, and wearing an eye patch to prevent corneal abrasions and dryness.

4.  Physical therapy, including facial exercises and massage, to help maintain muscle tone. Physical therapy also promotes recovery of facial nerve function.