Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. It is the most common cause of facial paralysis, affecting about 1 in 60 people at some point in their lives.
Causes Of Bell’s Palsy
The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. This nerve controls the muscles that move the face, including the muscles that control the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
There are a number of possible causes of inflammation of the facial nerve, including:
- Viral infection, such as the herpes simplex virus or the varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
- Bacterial infection, such as Lyme disease or syphilis
- Head injury
- Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease
- Stroke
- Tumor
However, in most cases, the cause of Bell’s palsy is never identified.
Symptoms Of Bell’s Palsy
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy usually appear suddenly and worsen over a few days. The most common symptoms include:
- Weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face
- Drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth
- Drooling
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Dry eye or watering eye
- Change in taste
- Pain or discomfort behind the ear
In some cases, people with Bell’s palsy may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sound
- Difficulty speaking or eating
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose Bell’s palsy based on a physical exam and the patient’s medical history. The doctor will look for signs of weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. They may also order tests to rule out other possible causes of facial paralysis, such as stroke or tumor.
Treatment Of Bell’s Palsy
There is no specific treatment for Bell’s palsy, but there are some things that can be done to help relieve the symptoms and improve the chances of a full recovery, such as:
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir or famciclovir, to help reduce inflammation of the facial nerve. They may also prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapists can teach patients exercises to help strengthen the facial muscles and improve their range of motion.
- Eye care: People with Bell’s palsy may need to use eye drops or ointment to protect the eye if it is not closing properly.
Recovery
Most people with Bell’s palsy make a full recovery within six months. However, some people may have some permanent facial weakness.
Complications
In rare cases, Bell’s palsy can lead to complications, such as:
- Permanent facial weakness: Some people with Bell’s palsy may have some permanent weakness of the facial muscles. This is more likely to occur in people who have severe Bell’s palsy or who do not receive treatment early.
- Corneal damage: If the eye does not close properly, it can become dry and irritated. This can lead to corneal damage, which can impair vision.
- Synkinesis: Synkinesis is a condition in which the facial muscles move involuntarily. For example, a person with synkinesis may blink when they smile.
Living with Bell’s palsy
If you have Bell’s palsy, there are a few things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life:
- Protect your eyes: If you have difficulty closing your eye, use eye drops or ointment to protect it from dryness and irritation. You may also need to wear an eye patch or goggles at night.
- Eat and drink carefully: If you have difficulty controlling the muscles on one side of your face, you may need to adjust the way you eat and drink to avoid dribbling. For example, you may need to eat smaller bites and chew food thoroughly. You may also need to use a straw to drink.
- Take care of your skin: If you have difficulty controlling the muscles on one side of your face, you may need to take extra care of your skin to prevent dryness and irritation. For example, you may need to use a moisturizer more frequently and avoid using harsh soaps and cleansers.
- Join a support group: Talking to other people who have Bell’s palsy can be helpful and supportive. There are a number of online and in-person support groups available.
If you have any concerns about Bell’s palsy, please consult your doctor.
