INFORMATION ON BELL'S PALSY

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis which is caused by a weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control expression on one side of your face. Bell's palsy results in damage to one of a pair of facial nerves that runs beneath each ear to the muscles in your face. Bells palsy is not as uncommon as is generally believed. Worldwide statistics set the frequency at approximately .02% of the population. In human terms this is 1 of every 5000 people, and 40,000 Americans every year.

SYNONYMS OF BELL'S PALSY

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Acute facial paralysis.
2. Idiopathic facial paralysis.
3. Facial palsy.
4. Cranial nerve VII.

CAUSES OF BELL'S PALSY

Main causes of Bell’s palsy are unknown but it is believed that viral infection of the facial nerve is commonly involved. Viral illnesses such as mumps and rubella may also trigger Bell’s palsy. Bell's palsy can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in adults. Having diabetes seems to increase the risk, and the condition may also run in families.

SYMPTOMS OF BELL'S PALSY

When the symptoms are shown a person may notice one side of his or her face droops or feels stiff. Some people may only notice a slight weakness, whereas others may not be able to move that side of their face at all.

Other symptoms are:

1. Numbness of the face.
2. A dry mouth.
3. Difficulty in speaking.
4. Loss of taste in the front portion of the tongue.
5. Dryness or watering of the affected eye.
6. Dribbling when drinking or after cleaning teeth.
7. Intolerance to loud noises on the affected side.

DIAGNOSIS OF BELL'S PALSY

Diagnosis of Bell's palsy is based on symptoms and by ruling out other disorders. Under physical examination, the doctor observes the patient's range of movement in different parts of the face.

Test under diagnosis are:

1. Imaging tests such as computerized tomography.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging.

TREATMENT OF BELL'S PALSY

Treatment of Bell's palsy includes:

1. Proper eye examination and eye care.
2. Use of medication such as corticosteroids and antiviral.
3. If needed surgical treatment may be indicated.
4. Facial nerve repair is the most effective procedure to restore facial function in patients who have suffered nerve damage from an accident or during surgery.
5. Facial retraining can help minimize the asymmetrical appearance of the face that occurs when one side is weakened.