Ultrasound Treatment for Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is weakness to the muscles in your face, caused by trauma to one of the nerves. It may be temporary. Symptoms include numbness, inability to blink, droopy appearance, and difficulty speaking, eating or drinking. There are a number of conditions that put you at risk for developing Bell's palsy, such as diabetes, pregnancy and illnesses that compromise your immune system, such as HIV. One of the more recent treatments available is a type of ultrasound.

Technology

• When you hear the term ultrasound, most will think of an imaging device used to look at unborn babies or body organs. But ultrasounds have other surprising uses. Some other applications for ultrasound include tumor treatment, chemotherapy and treatment of cataracts.

  Essentially, ultrasounds gather information about your body and a particular health issue you might have. An ultrasound machine emits high-pitched sound and draws a picture from the echoes it gets in return.

Treatment

• Vibration emitted by an ultrasound machine stimulates blood flow. In patients with Bell's palsy, the ultrasound focuses on the area around the ear of the affected side, or medically speaking, the tragus of the ear. The technician will look for an area that is painful by touch and apply the ultrasound in a slow, circular motion at a very low level. Adjustment of the level is possible if needed.

Effectiveness

• There is some controversy regarding the use of ultrasound for Bell's palsy and concern about the possible side effects. Some question exists as to whether, even at lose doses, the ultrasound can penetrate the skull and lead to possible blood clots. Most studies conclude that this is unlikely. The skull bones in adults are fused and a closed system, therefore, sound waves will bounce off with no effect on the brain.

  Is ultrasound the most effective treatment for your Bell's palsy? That's something you need to discuss with your doctor. Ultrasound could be one of a number of treatments used together. Many physicians prescribe drugs, such as steroids, muscle exercises and rest. There are many other approaches, including surgical correction. Your doctor will help develop a plan to deal with your condition. Effectiveness will depend on the nature of the trauma to the nerve.