What is Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face.
Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop. Bell's palsy can occur suddenly, often overnight.
Who is most likely to be affected by Bell's palsy?
Bell’s palsy affects about 40,000 people in the United States every year - about 1 in every 65 people.
Bell's palsy is three times more likely to strike pregnant women than non-pregnant women. It is also considered to be four times more likely to occur in diabetics.
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What causes Bell's palsy?
The cause of Bell's palsy is not clear. Most cases are thought to be caused by the herpes simplex I virus, the same virus that causes cold sores.
In most cases of Bell's palsy, the nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face is damaged by inflammation.
Many health problems can cause weakness or paralysis of the face. If a specific reason cannot be found for the weakness, the condition is called Bell's palsy.
Is Bell's palsy the result of a stroke?
Bell's palsy is not the result of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
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While stroke and TIA can cause facial paralysis, there is no link between Bell's palsy and either of these conditions. But any sudden weakness on one side of your face should be checked by a doctor right away, so they can rule out these more serious causes.
What are the symptoms of Bell's palsy?
Symptoms can include:
• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face that causes it to droop
• Drooling
• Eye problems, such as excessive tearing or a dry eye
• Loss of ability to taste
• Pain in or behind your ear
• Numbness in the affected side of your face
• Increased sensitivity to sound
What should I do if I think have Bell's palsy?
Your doctor may diagnose the condition by giving you a physical and neurological exam to check facial nerve function. They may also ask you about when your symptoms first occurred.
You may also require blood tests, an MRI, or a CT scan.
How is Bell's palsy treated?
Most people who have Bell's palsy recover completely in 1 to 6 months. This is especially true for people who can still partly move their facial muscles. However, some people suffer from permanent muscle weakness or other problems.
While many people recover from this condition without medication, others require a corticosteroid, which can help lower the risk of long-term complications. in addition, an antiviral medication may be prescribed as well.
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What are some home treatment options?
In addition to seeing your doctor, there are certain steps you can take at home to help reduce your discomfort and speed your recovery.
Facial exercises. As the nerve in your face begins to function again, doing simple exercises such as tightening and relaxing your facial muscles may make those muscles stronger and help you recover more quickly.
Massaging your forehead, cheeks, and lips with oil or cream may also help.
Eyecare. If you can't blink or close your eye fully, your eye may become dry. A dry eye can lead to sores and serious vision problems. To help protect the eye and keep it moist:
• Use your finger to close and open your eyelid often throughout the day.
• Use eye drops ("artificial tears") or ointment. Those that contain methylcellulose are a good choice and don't require a prescription.
You may want to use drops during the day and ointment at night while you sleep. Ask your doctor how often to use the drops.
• Wear an eye patch while you sleep, and wear glasses or goggles the rest of the time.
Mouth care. If you have no feeling and little saliva on one side of your tongue, food may get stuck there, leading to gum disease or tooth decay.
Brush and floss your teeth often and well to help prevent these problems.
To prevent swallowing problems, eat slowly and chew your food well. Eating soft, smooth foods, such as yogurt, may also help.
