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Bell's Palsy Syndrome

Bell's palsy is a frightening disorder that affects the most visible part of the body--the face. The symptoms of Bell's palsy are similar to those experienced after a stroke, but Bell's palsy has nothing to do with the brain. Instead, it's caused by problems with facial nerves. Fortunately, it is usually a temporary condition, and with some self-care sufferers can regain most or all of their facial function.

  1. Symptoms

    • People with Bell's palsy experience facial paralysis on one side of the face. They may have trouble opening and closing the eye on that side of the face, or making complete facial expressions. There may also be pain in and around the ear on the affected side, and sound may seem louder on that side as well. Other symptoms include headache, loss of the sense of taste, and facial spasms.

    Causes

    • It's thought that Bell's palsy is caused by inflammation of a facial nerve. This inflammation is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus, but it also can be caused by herpes zoster, the virus connected to chicken pox and shingles, and to the virus that causes mononucleosis. Diabetes and Lyme disease also may be linked to Bell's palsy.

    Risks

    • There's no real way to cut your risk of developing Bell's palsy, as the viruses linked to it are so common. It is, however, more common between the ages of 15 and 65, and among diabetics and pregnant women. Suffering from an upper respiratory viral infection, like a flu or a cold, can trigger an attack.

    Cures

    • Sixty to 80 percent of Bell's palsy sufferers recover, most in three to six months after onset. Physicians are unsure whether any course of treatment is more effective than simply letting the palsy run its course. Certain medications, like corticosteroids and antiviral drugs, may reduce inflammation and reduce viral presence, but they are not proven to cure Bell's palsy. A minority of cases don't improve over time. Surgery can help people with severe Bell's palsy to regain facial function.

    Treatment

    • Even though sufferers cannot do much to speed up treatment of Bell's palsy, there are ways to ease pain and to keep from developing complications. If the palsy affects the eye, eyedrops and an eyepatch will prevent damage to the cornea. Massaging paralyzed facial muscles can keep them from wasting away. Heat treatments can ease facial pain.

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