Bell’s Palsy – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Bell’s palsy is a kind of paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. Due to the weakness on one side of the face, the affected side appears to droop. Even the smile becomes one-sided and closing the eye on the affected side also becomes difficult. Bell’s palsy condition is temporary in many cases and it gets better over a few weeks. But some people may not recover completely and will continue to have some weakness on one side of the face.
Does Bell’s Palsy Show Any Signs?
Bell’s palsy begins suddenly and may show the following signs and symptoms:
- Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face
- Difficulty to make facial movements such as smiling, closing eyes, blinking, etc.
- Drooling
- Sensitivity to sound in the ear of the affected side
- Tearing
- Difficulty to drink and eat
- Loss of taste
- Headache
- Dry eyes
If you or your loved one ever experience any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, consider visiting a doctor immediately. The doctor can help determine the treatment plan.
What Causes Bell’s Palsy?
The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is not clear. It is believed due to be due to the inflammation or swelling of the nerves that control facial movements. The swelling or inflammation can be caused by a viral infection.
The viruses that are associated with the development of Bell’s palsy include the following:
- Herpes simplex that causes cold sores and herpes simplex
- HIV
- Epstein-Barr that causes infectious mononucleosis
- Herpes zoster that causes chickenpox
- Adenovirus that causes respiratory illness
Risk Factors of Developing Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy can occur at any age. But people who are between the age of 15 and 60 are more prone to Bell’s palsy.
The following are the other risk factors that can trigger Bell’s palsy:
- Pregnant women
- Family history of Bell’s palsy
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
- Obesity
- An upper respiratory infection such as a cold or flu
- Lyme disease
How is Bell’s Palsy Diagnosed?
There is no particular test to diagnose Bell’s palsy. The doctor will first conduct a physical exam. During the physical exam, the doctor will ask you to move your facial muscles. This helps the doctor to know the extent of weakness in your face. The doctor will also ask about your signs and will ask about your medical history.
Several other conditions such as stroke, infections, etc. can also lead to facial weakness. To rule out other conditions and to know the extent of nerve damage, the doctor may conduct several tests. Some of the tests include:
- EMG (Electromyography): An EMG test helps to confirm the damage to the nerves and its severity.
- Imaging scans: Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans are used to rule out other possible causes of nerve damage.
- Blood tests: A blood test helps to know if there is any viral infection. It also helps to check diabetes, Lyme disease, etc.
Treatment Options for Bell’s Palsy
In most cases, Bell’s palsy does not require any treatment and it gets cured on its own. However, it can take up to several months to regain the normal strength of your facial muscles. The doctor may prescribe medications and physical therapy to reduce your pain and to recover faster.
With Bell’s palsy, the eye on the affected side does not close completely. Hence, it is important to take care of the affected eye. The doctor may suggest eye drops and an eye ointment to keep your eyes moist.
Surgery is rarely considered to treat Bell’s palsy. Surgery is used for people who do not recover completely. Using surgery, facial asymmetry can be corrected.
Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy – An Experienced Neurosurgeon in Hyderabad
If you or your loved one is suffering from the signs of Bell’s palsy, then consider visiting Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy. He is one of the best and most reputed neurosurgeons in Hyderabad with over 12 years of experience. He takes good care of his patients and provides a truly first-class experience using the latest in technology. He has helped several patients to recover faster from Bell’s palsy and you can count on him for the same. To book an appointment, you can make a call or can fill out the form on the website.