Bell’s palsy makes the facial muscles temporarily paralyzed or weak. It is caused due to conditions such as viral infection, etc. In addition, bell’s palsy will cause inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve).
Faces of the people with the disorder will droop on the right side or both sides. In some cases, they may have a lopsided smile or an eyelid that won’t close. These effects last for several months and fade away without treatment. However, in rare cases, the effects can last forever.
US reports about 40,000 new cases of Bell’s Palsy each year and 1 in 60 people will experience it in their lives. Aster Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the UAE, has a good team of doctors.
Causes
The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is still unknown. But, doctor’s often associate it with a viral infection. Here is a list of viruses that have caused the disorder:
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Flu (influenza B)
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German measles (rubella)
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Cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex)
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Cytomegalovirus infections
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Infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr)
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Mumps (mumps virus)
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Chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster)
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Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (coxsackievirus)
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Respiratory illnesses (adenovirus)
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Shingles (herpes zoster virus)
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Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)
Symptoms
One can experience Bell’s palsy symptoms suddenly. They can trigger severity within a few days ranging from mild to total paralysis.
Furthermore, the symptoms usually fade away within a few weeks. The majority of the people recover and don’t show any symptoms of the disorder within a few months.
Some of the common symptoms include:
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Mild weakness or paralysis on the face (occurring within hours to days)
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Headache
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Exposure of the cornea
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Jaw pain or pain behind the ears of the affected region
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Facial droop
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Taste change
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Sensitivity to sound
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Facial pain
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Changes in tears and saliva production
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Drooling from one side of the mouth
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Sound sensitivity increases
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A drooping bow
If you experience these symptoms, consult a neurologist in Dubai.
What are the risk factors of Bell’s Palsy?
The disorder affects both men and women equally. But, people with these conditions are linked to Bell’s Palsy:
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Diabetes
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Family history of Bell’s palsy
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
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HIV
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TB
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Lyme disease
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Ramsay Hunt syndrome
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Vasculitis
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Tumour
Diagnosis
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Blood test (to detect conditions such as sarcoidosis).
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ECG (to measure nerve damage and activity). It an also predict recovery rate.
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MRI or CT Scans (to prevent stroke and nerve damage)
Bell's palsy treatment
Most people recover without treatment. There is no specific treatment for the disorder, but doctors may suggest different medications and other methods.
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Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone (it can decrease nerve swelling and may help regain facial movement faster)
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Eye drops and ointment to manage dry eye, irritated eye or artificial tears.
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Surgical tape to keep the eye closed at night
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Antiviral medication
The bottom-line
Someone who experiences bell’s palsy may be embarrassed with their looks but symptoms will gradually improve. Always consult a doctor when symptoms first appear. It can take months or even years to recover fully, but most recover within a few months.
