How to Regenerate Nerves From Bell's Palsy

Bell’s palsy is characterized by facial weakness and paralysis on one side of the face and is usually caused by a virus. In most cases, this nerve damage is temporary and you will recover fully but some people suffer permanent damage. You can do several things to heal the nerves that include medical treatment and self-care. The Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Otolaryngology offer several suggestions.

Things You'll Need

• Medications
• Supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about available medications. Antiviral medications or antibiotics can stop the progression of viral or bacterial infections while corticosteroids reduce swelling and inflammation. The steroid treatment will help the nerve fit better into the bones of the face and reduce compression.

• 2

  Work with a physical therapist. She can show you ways to exercise the facial muscles and how to massage the face; both will help heal the damaged nerves.

• 3

  Use moist heat to reduce nerve swelling and inflammation.

• 4

  Consider using natural treatments like acupuncture and supplements that promote nerve health like zinc, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6. Talk to your doctor about appropriate dosages and do not use natural treatments without consulting your doctor first.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about surgical options; certain procedures can relieve pressure on the nerve, allowing it to heal properly. This is a rare and controversial procedure and is not commonly recommended.