What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy causes temporary weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. This paralysis, or palsy, is caused by a pinched facial nerve. People with this form of facial nerve palsy get a drooping look on one or both sides of their faces. The ailment isn’t dangerous and usually goes away after a few months.

Bell’s palsy causes one or both sides of your face to sag. You can have a crooked smile or eyelid that won’t close. These side effects usually persist for many months and disappear on their own. Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who initially characterised the illness in the nineteenth century, gave it its name.

Who is more likely to have Bell’s Palsy?

Men and women are equally affected by Bell’s palsy. It usually affects people aged between 15 and 60. If you are pregnant or have one of the following conditions, you may be more susceptible to Bell’s palsy:

• Autoimmune disease.
• Diabetes.
• Family history of Bell’s palsy.
• Cold sores (herpes simplex virus).
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus).
• Shingles (herpes zoster virus).

Can one person get Bell’s Palsy more than once?

It is uncommon to experience Bell’s palsy more than one time in one’s life. However, a repeat event is probable within a few years of the first. Facial nerve palsy can affect the face’s same or opposite side. If there is a family history of this condition, you are more likely to have a recurrence.

Causes of Bell’s Palsy

A variety of viruses can cause Bell’s palsy. The condition arises when inflammation or swelling exerts pressure on a nerve that controls the facial muscles. This pressure inhibits nerve function, making it harder to regulate facial muscles or expressions. The nerve begins to function again when the inflammation decreases. However, symptoms may not disappear for several months.

Many scientists believe something might awaken a latent viral infection, causing Bell’s palsy. If you’re worried or have just been ill, these might be potential causes. A prior physical trauma or even sleep deprivation might also play a role. Finally, an autoimmune disorder might potentially be a trigger.

The facial nerve is hypothesised to respond to infection by swelling, which produces pressure in the bone tube (known as the Fallopian canal) via which the facial nerve travels to the side of the face.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy symptoms often appear rapidly and peak in severity within 48 to 72 hours. Some folks have only minor signs. Others are completely paralysed.

In three weeks, symptoms begin to improve gradually. Within three months, up to 80% of patients entirely recover and exhibit no evidence of Bell’s palsy.

Bell’s palsy symptoms include, in addition, to face drooping:

• Difficulty speaking, eating or drinking.
• Drooling.
• Dry eyes.
• Facial or ear pain.
• Headache.
• Loss of taste.
• Ringing in ears (tinnitus).
• Sensitivity to sounds.

The symptoms generally develop suddenly, and you could experience them as you wake up or try to drink or eat.

Bell’s palsy is distinguished by a drooping look just on the side of the face and the incompetence to open or close the afflicted eye. Bell’s palsy can damage your entire face in rare situations.

Risk factors for Bell’s Palsy

You are more likely to acquire Bell’s palsy if you:

• Are pregnant,
• Diabetic
• Have a lung infection
• Having a family history of the disease

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Diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy

Your surgeon will first undertake a medical examination to establish the amount of your face muscle weakness. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms, such as when they started and when you initially noticed them.

While there is no single lab test that your doctor uses to confirm that you have Bell’s palsy, your doctor can utilise a range of tests to aid in diagnosing Bell’s palsy.

These tests can also help rule out other potential causes of facial paralysis, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or Lyme disease.

Among these tests are:

• Blood tests to see if you have a bacterial or viral illness. Diabetes and other diseases are also detected by blood testing.
• An MRI or CT scan can be used to examine the facial nerves and rule out the potential of a stroke or brain tumour.
• An electromyography (EMG) test, in which a doctor inserts excellent wire electrodes into a muscle to establish whether or not the nerves that control the facial 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.

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How is Bell’s Palsy treated?

Bell’s palsy symptoms usually improve on their own. However, your facial muscles may take weeks or months to restore their enduring power. Nevertheless, the remedies listed below may aid in your recovery.

Medication

You will be prescribed

• corticosteroid medications that decrease inflammation
• If a virus or bacterium causes your Bell’s palsy, you may be offered antiviral or antibacterial medicine
• OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce minor discomfort.
• To keep your afflicted eye moist, use eye drops.

Home Remedies

• An eye patch (for your dry eye)
• A warm, moist towel over your face to relieve pain
• Facial massage
• Physical therapy exercises stimulate your facial muscles.s

When to See Neurologist

Bell’s Palsy is generally diagnosed by clinical observation. If at all feasible, get consultation from a neurologist within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms because they can arise quickly. The appearance of a deformed face and the inability to move the facial muscles on one side are two of the first symptoms to check for.

People also ask

1. What are the leading causes of Bell’s palsy?

A variety of viruses can cause Bell’s palsy. The condition arises when inflammation or swelling exerts pressure on a nerve that controls the facial muscles. This pressure inhibits nerve function, making it harder to regulate facial muscles or expressions. The nerve begins to function again when the inflammation decreases. However, symptoms may not disappear for several months.

2. Is having Bell’s palsy serious?

Bell’s palsy typically cures on its own and has no long-term consequences. It is critical, however, to take medications exactly as prescribed. It is also vital to keep the eye dry. The consumption of eye drops and ointment at night can protect the cornea from scratches.

3. How long does Bell’s palsy last?

Most patients recover completely within nine months, although it might take longer. In a few situations, facial weakness might be permanent. If there is no improvement after three weeks, return to your neurology doctor.

4. Does stress cause Bell’s palsy?

Stress according to medical experts, stress lowers the immune system and destroys the seventh cranial nerve, resulting in facial paralysis. One-half of your face droops or stiffens as a result of the disorder. This condition is known as Bell’s palsy.