There are a lot–and I mean A LOT–of myths going around about the new COVID-19 vaccine that has just been approved and beginning to be dispersed to all 50 states.
Some people say the vaccine makes hair grow all of your body.
Other people say they heard it makes people zombies (sigh).
Other people say that they’ve heard it causes your body and face to go numb, causing misconfiguration.
But we here at BlackDoctor.org like to only share the true FACTS. So first, we need to know what Bell’s Palsy is:
What Bell’s Palsy Is (and Isn’t)
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.
Dr. Jen Caudle, a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Associate Professor at Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, gives us the real deal.
“The answer is ‘we don’t think so,'” explains Dr. Caudle. “What is means is that the number of people who got Bell’s Palsy is the no different than the typical number of people who get Bell’s Palsy. The FDA says there is no cause to clear basis to conclude a causal relationship at this time.”
It would be a different story if a higher number of people in the group who got the vaccine developed Bell’s Palsy, but they didn’t. It’s like if 1 in 10 people in the U.S. develop diabetes, and 1 in 10 people with the vaccine develop diabetes, there would be no cause for alarm. It’s the same.
Most of the vaccine’s side effects that have been reported by the majority of people say a consistent three things: 1.) Soreness on the arm around where they received the dose, 2.) Common cold symptoms within 24-48 hours of receiving the vaccine then back to normal and 3.) Grogginess within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine then back to normal.
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.
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).
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.