Bell's palsy is a condition in which half your face becomes paralyzed or weak. It is named after Sir Charles Bell, the first doctor to describe the link between the facial nerve and the symptoms of what became known as Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy can come on rapidly, sometimes overnight. There is no known cause or cure for Bell's palsy.
Facts
Bell's palsy is a condition that affects the nerves of the facial muscles. Many people who get it assume they have had a stroke, because their face appears swollen or compressed. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, more than 40,000 Americans develop Bell's palsy, which can affect any one at any age. Bell's palsy is a temporary form of facial paralysis. It is the most common disease involving only one nerve.
Identification
The most noticeable symptom of Bell's palsy is sudden weakness on one side of the face. People with Bell's palsy may have a hard time smiling or closing their eyes on the affected side. Their face may also appear droopy. In some instances, ear pain is present on the affected side. Loss of taste and headaches are also symptoms of Bell's palsy.
Prevention/solution
Although there is no cure for Bell's palsy, people often recover from it within 2 to 3 weeks--without treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory and antiviral medication. The doctor may also suggest physical therapy, which may include exercising your facial muscles and massaging the affected side of the face. If you have pain in your face, an ear or your neck, moist heat may help. Surgery for Bell's palsy is rarely recommended.
Consideration
Bell's palsy typically affects people over age 15 and under age 60. Children are likely to recover more quickly than adults from Bell's palsy. People with diabetes are four times more likely to develop Bell's palsy than the general population. People with upper respiratory infections also have a higher risk of getting it. People with HIV or sarcoidosis are also particularly susceptible.
Warning
Bell's palsy is not always the cause of facial paralysis. Consult a doctor to make sure your facial paralysis is not caused by Lyme disease, tumor, stroke, facial wounds or sarcoidosis. Although most people recover from Bell's palsy, there is no guarantee there will not be a recurrence. An average of 10 to 20 percent of people will experience a recurrence and a very small percentage will not fully recover from all of their symptoms.
Tags: Bell palsy, Bell palsy, People with, affected side, facial paralysis
