Bell's palsy

Description of Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy – sudden weakness and paralysis on one side of the face due to injury of the facial nerve. It affects men and women equally.

Causes of Bell's palsy

The exact cause Bell's palsy is unknown. There is a suspicion, that the stimulation of the facial nerve swells. Since facial nerve passes through narrow openings in the skull, it is compressed, that results in paralysis.

Doctors believe, inflammation of the nerve that can cause herpes virus, what, in turn, It causes Bell's palsy. Lyme disease or other infections may also be the cause of the weakness of the facial muscles.

Paralysis of the facial nerve can cause:

• Head injury or a person;
• Tumors;
• Diabetes;
• Cancer or infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (LIKVI);
• Stroke;
• Abscess;
• HIV;
• Infection;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Medication (chemotherapy);
• Hereditary diseases;
• Other conditions, which cause paralysis of the facial nerve.

Risk factors

Factors, increases the likelihood of Bell's palsy:

• The presence of family members, which have Bell's palsy;
• Pregnancy;
• Diabetes;
• Cold or flu;
• Weakened immune system;
• HIV infection;
• Smoking;
• Hypertension;
• Ear infection;
• Head injury or a person;
• Cancer.

The symptoms of Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy symptoms may come on suddenly or develop over a few days. Initial symptoms may include:

• Pain behind the ear, preceded by weakness and numbness;
• Tinnitus;
• Slight fever;
• Slight hearing impairment;
• Slight increase in sensitivity to sound on the affected side.

Symptoms of full-Bell's palsy may include:

• Weakness or paralysis of the face:
  • Typically, on one side;
  • Smooth, tense forehead;
  • The inability to smile;
  • Numbness face;
  • Hanging mouth corners;
  • Drooling;
• Failure to close your eyes, which may lead to the next:
  • The eyes become red and dry;
  • Formed on the cornea ulcers;
  • Infection;
  • Possible loss of vision;
• Violations of taste;
• Audibility only one ear;
• Earache;
• Gibberish.

Late complications (It occurs via 3-4 months after the onset of disease) may include:

• Contracture of the facial muscles
• Tearing of the eye during eating.

Diagnosis Bell's palsy

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Other tests may include:

• Hearing test, to determine, if nerve damage involves the hearing nerve, inner ear, or hearing mechanism ;
• Checking the balance, To make sure, that the vestibular system is operating normally;
• Poyasnichnaya puncture – Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the lower back, to exclude meningitis, autoimmune diseases or cancer;
• Test lacrimation – It describes the eye's ability to produce tears;
• CT scan – type x-ray Survey, which uses computer, to take pictures structures head, and see, whether there is a infection, tumor, bone fracture, or other problems area facial nerve;
• MRI scan – test, which uses magnetic wave, to take pictures structures head, to determine, whether there is a infection, tumor, bone fracture, or other problems area facial nerve;
• Power test – for determining the degree of damage facial nerve;
• Blood tests, that check it out diabetes, HIV infection, or Lyme disease.

Treatment of Bell's palsy

In most cases, the symptoms disappear within several weeks without treatment. In many cases, Bell's palsy extends completely within a few months.

Of great importance is the protection of the eyes, because patients often can not blink.

Below are a few ways to treat Bell's palsy:

Drug treatment of Bell's palsy

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. They reduce swelling and pain. For Example, studies showed, that prednisone can increase the chances of complete recovery from Bell's palsy.

In addition to corticosteroids appointed antivirals (eg, valacyclovir [Valtrex], acyclovir [Zoviraks]). But evidence of the effectiveness of antiviral drugs in the treatment of Bell's palsy is controversial.

Operation

Some doctors try to surgically relieve pressure on the nerve, removing part of the bone. The effectiveness of this procedure is unproven and its implementation is not usually Input a word. If the eyelid will not close, operations can be performed around the eyes.

Self-help

Maybe, the patient will have to apply ointment or eye drops. Probably you will need to wear a bandage. Do not place it directly on the eyelid. Eye patch may be worn to keep the eye closed. It helps to moisturize and protect your eyes. Massage the weakened facial muscles may also be helpful.

Therapy

The symptoms can be very severe. There are emotional issues, related disease.

Physical and speech therapy may be helpful for reducing symptoms.

Prevention of Bell's palsy

There are no guidelines for preventing Bell's palsy, because its cause is unknown. There are no tests to detect it before symptoms appear.