Bell's Palsy

 Definition of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes a sudden weakness or paralysis in the muscles of the face. It usually affects only one side of the face and can result in alop sided appearance or droopy expression. Bell's Palsy is usually suffered by a person aged 15 to 45, but also be suffered by the children. Most People will fully recover, although this can sometimes take many months. about one in every ten people is left with some degree of permanent muscle weakness in their face.

Causes of Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy is caused by a swelling of the nerve that supplies the face (the facial nerve). This nerve passes from the brain to the face through a tiny hole in the skull, and when swelling occurs in this area, the resulting pressure stops the nerve working properly. It is not known exactly why the facial nerve swells, although researchers believe it may be triggered by a virus or infection

Symptoms of Bell's Palsy

1.  Bell’s Palsy usually comes on suddenly

2.  several hours before the onset of weakness of the facial muscles, the patient may feel pain. behind the ear. muscle weakness can occur mild to severe, but always on one side of the face.

3.  People cannot control movement of their facial muscles.

4.  The mouth droops and there is a lopsided smile.

5.  The face can feel “heavy”.

6.  People can have trouble smiling, raising their eyebrows or chewing food.

7.  One eye may not close properly and can feel irritated or dry.

8.  Food may taste different.

9.  People are otherwise well.

Treatment

In many cases no treatment is necessary. Bell’s palsy usually revolves by it self with rime, although in some cases this can take many months. If treatment is necessary, it is usually to relieve the symptoms.

This can include steroids (prednisolone) to reduce the inflammation around the nerve. Steroids are only affective when given shortly after symptoms appear.

If the eye cannot close properly, it is important to use lubricating eye drops. These should be used several times a day to ensure the stays moist and is not damaged. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

A patch may be necessary to protect the eye, and the eyes may need to be taped shut at night.

Your doctor may provide other treatment. Please discuss this with them.

Physiotherapy can be beneficial to some individuals with Bell’s palsy as it helps to maintain muscle tone of the affected facial muscles and stimulate the facial nerve. It is important that muscle re-education exercises and soft tissue techniques be implemented prior to recovery in order to help prevent permanent contractures of the paralyzed facial muscles. To reduce pain, heat can be applied to the affected side of the face.

 
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