Facial Palsy
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding Bell’s Palsy.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face. It is caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve. It is usually temporary. Most people start to improve within two weeks and fully recover within 3 to 6 months.
What Are The Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?
- The main symptom of this condition is weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. Itis typically at its worst two to three days after it first appears and can also cause:
- Drooping of the eyelid or difficulty closing the eye on the affected side.
- Difficulty smiling and making facial expressions.
- Drooping of one side of the mouth.
- Difficulty eating and drinking.
- Drooling.
- Pain or sensitivity around the affected area.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste.
Changes in the amount of tears or saliva.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Bell’s Palsy?
Viral infections are believed to be the primary cause of Bell’s palsy.
The infection leads to inflammation (or swelling) of the nerve controlling the facial muscles. The condition can be mild or severe.
How Is Bell’s Palsy Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for Bell’s palsy, but a doctor can diagnose the condition through a careful clinical examination.
Bell’s palsy is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of the symptoms.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Bell’s Palsy?
- Treatment includes several procedures or as needed, and may involve the following:
- A doctor may prescribe certain medications to treatBell’s palsy, including oral steroids or antiviral drugstaken in the early days of the illness.
- The doctor may also prescribe moisturizing eye drops or ointments to protect the affected eye.
- Physical therapy or facial massage might also be recommended.
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- If the pain is bothersome, there are ways to relieve it:
- Applying a warm, damp towel to the face several times a day.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Some tips can help with recovery:
- Regularly use prescribed eye ointments and drops.
- Wear sunglasses during the daytime.
Use a patch on the affected eye.
How Is Bell’s Palsy Prevented?
Since the cause of Bell’s palsy is not fully understood, there are no guidelines for its prevention.
What Are the Complications of Bell’s Palsy?
- Bell’s palsy may prevent the affected eye from closing properly. If the affected eye is not cared for and remains exposed, the patient may face eye complications, which can include:
- Incomplete eyelid closure..
Dry eyes.
When ShouldYou Seea Doctor?
If you have any symptoms of Bell’s palsy, it is important to visit a doctor. This is to ensure you are not suffering from more serious conditions, such as a stroke or tumors.
If you have not fully recovered three months after the onset of Bell’s palsy symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
FAQs:
Does Bell’s palsy have other names?
Yes, it is also known as “seventh nerve paralysis,” and in some regions, it is referred to as “Abo Wegih” or “Abo Wejeh.”
Is Bell’s Palsy caused by exposure to cold?
Most causes are still unknown. However, the treatment remains the same unless there are other diseases, God forbid, such as tumors or strokes that could cause facial paralysis.
Is Bell’s Palsy permanent and untreatable?
