Bell's Palsy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Bell's palsy is the weakness of muscles or paralysis on the side of the face. It causes this due to damage to the nerves of the face that control facial muscles. This results in the side of your face drooping to one side. The damage to the nerves might also affect the taste buds and mechanisms for making saliva and tears. This usually happens all of sudden, mostly overnight, and it actually heals on its own sometimes within a few days. Bell's palsy isn't the effect of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke. While TIA and stroke can result in paralysis of the face, there is actually no connection with either of the conditions of Bell's palsy. However the sudden failing that takes place on one side of the face must be checked immediately to stop further complications.

Causes: The causes of the Bell's palsy aren't very clear. The majority of cases are considered to be caused by a virus called herpes which results in cold sores. In many instances of Bell's palsy, the inflammation damages the nerves that control the muscles on the sides of the face. Lots of health problems can result in paralysis or weakness of the face. If a definite cause cannot be found, then this state is known as Bell's palsy.

Symptoms: The symptoms of Bell's palsy include sudden paralysis or weakness of the face on one side, and this causes it to droop. This is the first symptom and the most important one. It might make it difficult for you to close the eye on the side of the face it affects. Loss of ability to taste is another symptom. Eye problems like dry eye or excessive tearing are also symptoms of Bell's palsy. Lack of feeling on the affected side of your face is also a symptom. Sensitivity to sound and also pain behind or in the ear are also all symptoms of Bell's palsy.

Treatment: The doctor might diagnose Bell's palsy by asking you questions regarding the symptoms. If the cause of the symptoms isn't very clear, they would advise you to go for neurological and physical tests to check the function of facial nerves. You might also need other tests done, like a CT or MRI scan and blood tests. The majority of people who experience Bell's palsy recover mostly without any treatment in a month or two. This is mainly true for those who could partially move their facial muscles. However, very few people have problems or permanent muscle weakness of the face on the affected side.

If the doctor thinks inflammation is the main cause of Bell's palsy in your case, they might prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce the inflammation. And if the doctor suspects a virus is causing the problem, then they might suggest anti-viral drugs like acyclovir. However, there is no clear proof that anti-viral medicines are successful for Bell's palsy. They might also suggest facial exercises. Massaging your cheeks, lips and forehead with cream or oil might also be useful. Doing simple exercises like relaxing and tightening of the facial muscles might help you make those muscles stronger and overcome the problem very quickly.

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