Bell's palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face. Treatment with steroids can help and most people get better within 6 months.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
somebody's face droops on 1 side (the mouth or eye may have drooped)
a person cannot lift up both arms and keep them there
a person has difficulty speaking (speech may be slurred or garbled)
These can be signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Palsy is a medical term which refers to various types of paralysis or paresis, often accompanied by weakness and the loss of feeling and uncontrolled body movements such as shaking.
? Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It begins suddenly and worsens over 48 hours. This condition results from damage to the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve). Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head.
Although the exact reason Bell's palsy occurs isn't clear, it's often related to having a viral infection. Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause: Cold sores and genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex. Chickenpox and shingles, also known as herpes zoster.
Oral steroids, or an antiviral medicine can be taken in the first few days from the onset of Bell's palsy. This can improve your chance of a full recovery. They may also prescribe you lubricating eye drops or an eye ointment to protect your affected eye. Physiotherapy or face massage may also be recommended.
When first diagnosed with Bell's palsy you should understand that you are unwell. It is important to get plenty of rest even if you have no other symptoms. You should also maintain a healthy diet. If you are at work or school, it may be necessary to take some time to recover.
Avoid hard, chewy foods as these can be difficult to prepare and choose a soft easy chew diet (such as pasta dishes, fish, well-cooked meats and vegetables). Avoid mixed consistencies, for example, cereals in milk. Mixed consistencies are more difficult to control and may be more likely to cause coughing.
“Because Bell's palsy affects a single nerve, the facial nerve, its symptoms mimic those of a stroke.” A stroke is caused by a blood clot that stops blood flow to the brain or by a blood vessel that ruptures in the brain, while Bell's palsy is linked to facial nerve damage.
People who live a continuous stress-filled life are more likely to experience this health condition than those who do not. The effects of stress on Bell's Palsy can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the nerve damage.
Facial palsy is not contagious and cannot be passed onto other people. However, if the cause of a person's facial palsy was a virus (e.g. herpes, Ramsay Hunt syndrome), then this underlying illness may be contagious. If you see vesicles, avoid touching them and speak with your doctor.
Bell palsy is a disorder of the nerve that controls movement of the muscles in the face. This nerve is called the facial or seventh cranial nerve. Damage to this nerve causes weakness or paralysis of these muscles. Paralysis means that you cannot use the muscles at all.
In many cases people who have facial palsy are able to work. Key factors that help to overcome barriers at work include: reasonable adjustments, flexibility in working arrangements, knowledgeable support and team working.
In addition, nutrients that support healthy nerve cell function such as vitamin B12, acetyl-L-carnitine, and ginkgo may benefit those with Bell's palsy. Nutrients that inhibit herpes viruses, such as reishi mushroom, licorice, zinc, and L-lysine, may also be supportive.
You're likely to notice gradual improvement after about two weeks. Within three months, most people have recovered full motion and function of their face.
Be there for your partner, listen and make time to talk, and overall, be patient. It's impossible to imagine what feelings, or sensations (or lack of) they are experiencing, so do not feel you have to rationalise or make sense of things, sometimes all you can do is listen.
Vitamin C is also known to help in neural regeneration [6,7] and has neuroprotective roles [8]. Considering those facts, vitamin C deficiency may trigger Bell's palsy in susceptible individuals.
Bell's palsy isn't a serious condition. Most cases go away on their own with time. However, the symptoms of Bell's palsy are similar to those of serious medical conditions, like a stroke. This is why it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as you notice muscle weakness in your face.
Alcohol consumption was associated with decreased odds for Bell's palsy (adjusted OR [95% CI] for 2–3 times a month = 0.90 [0.82–0.99], adjusted OR [95% CI] for 1–2 times a week = 0.77 [0.69–0.85], adjusted OR [95% CI] for ≥3 times a week = 0.79 [0.71–0.88], P < 0.001; Table 2).
Does having Bell's palsy increase your risk of stroke? The authors of a 2021 study from Korea reported that people with Bell's palsy had an increased risk of experiencing ischemic stroke.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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