What is Bell's palsy and How Do You Treat It?

Bell's palsy is named for Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century Scottish surgeon who was the first to describe the condition

. Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves, it is the most common cause of facial paralysis worldwide and one of the most common neurological disorders involving a cranial nerve.

Bell's palsy can affect anyone, but rarely affects people under the age of 15 or over the age of 60. The condition is more commonly seen in young adults, and persons of Japanese descent have a slightly higher incidence of the condition. Onset is rapid and in 80% to 90% of patients it subsides spontaneously with complete recovery by 8 weeks.

Bell's palsy is more common in pregnant women, people recovering from a viral infection, and people with diabetes. Recurrences which occur in about 20% of cases may appear on either side of the face.

Causes of Bell's Palsy

The condition occurs when there is a block of the 7th cranial nerve by an inflammatory reaction which may be the result of; an infection, a tumor, hemorrhage, meningitis, hypertension, local trauma or Lyme disease. Often people with Bell's palsy have a deficient immune system possibly due to genetics, unresolved or chronic illness, improper diet, exhaustion, exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs, or undue physical and emotional stress.

Signs and Symptoms

Rapid onset of mild weakness or even total paralysis on one side of the face occurring within hours to days. Possible aching of the jaw, or behind the ear and mouth droop. Taste perception can be distorted and there is a sensitivity to sound. Bell's palsy can interrupt the eyelid's natural blinking ability, leaving the eye exposed to irritation and drying.

Diagnosis

Based on clinical presentation and exclusion of other reasonable possibilities.

Patients often fear that they have suffered a stroke, but Bell's palsy is not related to stroke. Electromyography helps to determine nerve damage and blood tests are used to rule out acute causes such as Sarcoidosis or Lyme's disease.

Treatment of Bell's Palsy

Recent studies have shown that steroids are an effective treatment for Bell's palsy and that an antiviral drug such as acyclovir used to fight viral infections, combined with an anti inflammatory drug such as the steroid prednisone, used to reduce inflammation and swelling may be effective in improving facial function by limiting or reducing damage to the nerve. These drugs should be given within 24 hours of onset of paralysis. Lubricants for the eye and night time patching may be necessary to protect the eye.

A variety of non pharmacologic measures have been used to treat Bell's palsy, including physical therapy and acupuncture. The last few years has seen the advent of acupuncture patches which has shown very encouraging results.

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What is Bell's palsy and How Do You Treat It?

By: Dick Aronson

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