Bell’s Palsy - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Bell’s palsy is a medical condition in which one side of the face becomes paralyzed due to facial nerve damage. This condition was named after Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who described it for the first time in 1821.

The facial nerve controls the muscles of the face, and when it is damaged, the muscles on that side of the face weaken or become paralyzed. This causes the affected side’s face, eyelids, and mouth to be immobile.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it appears to be related to facial nerve inflammation. It is thought to be caused by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus, which can cause facial nerve inflammation and swelling.

Other potential triggers include facial trauma, diabetes, Lyme disease, and high blood pressure.

What are the Symptoms?

Bell’s palsy symptoms include facial weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, drooping eyelids or corners of the mouth, difficulty closing the eye on the affected side, an inability to make facial expressions, and eye or mouth dryness.

How is Bell’s Palsy Treated?

This condition can be extremely distressing for the person affected because it causes them to appear drastically different from their normal selves. Fortunately, it can be treated in a variety of ways.

Some treatment may be necessary, depending on the severity of the condition, while others may be extremely beneficial.

Corticosteroid medication is the most commonly used for treatment. This medication helps reduce the severity of the symptoms by reducing inflammation of the facial nerve. Other medications, such as antivirals, may be prescribed in addition to corticosteroids.

Physical therapy is another common Bell’s palsy treatment. Physical therapy helps to strengthen and improve the range of motion of the facial muscles. This can help to alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the affected side of the face.

Finally, the best Bell’s palsy treatment will be determined by the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. Working with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan is essential. With the right treatment, you can lessen the severity of the symptoms and improve your quality of life.