Bell's Palsy

The bell’s palsy signs and symptoms differ in seriousness such as from mild to complete paralysis. If the facial nerve is more exposed to inflammation and compression, the chances of paralysis become higher. It also takes time for the problem to heal and recover its functionality.

The bell’s palsy symptoms begin to grow after one or two weeks which include cold, ear infection, and eye infection.

The symptoms might appear abruptly and one can notice them after waking up in the morning or while trying to eat or drink. If an individual develops bell’s palsy, here are the following symptoms he/she can experience:

• Unexpected weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.
• Experiencing problems while trying to close the eye, lip, or on the completely affected side.
• Cornea exposure
• Eye irritation as it becomes tough to blink and dryness is also experienced.
• Noticeable change in tears the eye forms.
• Drooping on one side of the face and drooling
• Noticeable change in taste and sensitivity to sound
• Experiencing uncommon sensations in the face
• Extreme pain in the face

In research, it is found that the symptoms tend to grow within 72 hours and after that, they get stabilized. The problem can be treated but may require months or even years for the symptoms to disappear totally.

Bell’s palsy condition happens when the seventh cranial nerve experience compression or swelling that results in causing weakness or paralysis.

When it comes to understanding the cause of nerve damage, it is not known, however, as per medical experts, it is probably because of viral infection. Here are some of the bell’s palsy causes:

• Infectious mononucleosis
• Respiratory diseases
• German measles
• Mumps
• Influenza B
• Coxsackievirus or hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Cold sores and genital herpes
• Chickenpox or shingles

The risk of developing increases for certain people. One can be at risk if suffering from diabetes, lung infection, family history of the condition, and women who are pregnant.

The bell’s palsy diagnosis will be initiated by your doctor and he/she will begin with performing a physical evaluation to understand the weakness extent in the facial muscles. Your doctor will ask you certain questions that include identifying the bell’s palsy signs and symptoms, when you noticed the problem or when it happened.

It is important to comprehend that there is no particular lab test for identifying Bell's palsy disease. However, your doctor will or may order certain tests that can help with bell’s palsy diagnosis.

Here are the tests:

• Blood tests for identifying the viral and bacterial infection.
• Blood tests for analyzing diabetes and other health conditions.
• Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI. It will help in identifying the facial nerves and ruling out the chances of stroke or any probability of a brain tumor.
• An electromyography test or EMG test will be ordered. It involves inserting a thin wire electrode into a muscle. It will help in confirming if there is any harm to the nerves controlling the facial muscles.
• A lumbar puncture test is ordered in case the doctor suspects Lyme disease.

According to a study, it is found that Bell's palsy symptom goes away without requiring treatment. Although, it might take some time like a few weeks, months, or years for the muscles to regain their muscle strength. Here is Bell's palsy treatment that might be useful.

Medication

Your doctor might suggest medications that can benefit in treating the problem like:

• Antiviral or antibacterial medication is recommended for viral or bacterial causes of bell’s palsy.
• Over-the-counter medication is recommended like ibuprofen as it benefits in relieving the pain.
• The doctor will give you eye drops to provide lubrication.

Home treatment

One can also include home treatment as well for bell’s palsy such as:

• You can give yourself a face massage.
• Make sure to hold a warm and moist towel as it helps in relieving pain.
• Eye patch for your dry eye.
• Get yourself involved in the exercises for facial muscle stimulation.

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute is among the top multi-special hospitals in northeastern India. It is also known as the flagship of CK Birla Hospitals. It’s been more than 50 years since the hospital has been offering unmatchable healthcare services to its patients.

Our three principles which are ethical conduct, patient centricity, and clinical excellence have assisted us in gaining national and global repute. The incorporation of highly-skilled and qualified professionals ensures delivering holistic care to the patients.

We are one of the NABH and NABL accredited hospitals in India known for our well-known quality healthcare service delivery.

So, if you or any member of your family experience the problem of bell’s palsy condition, we are your go-to solution. All you need to do is book an appointment or directly visit us and our expert doctors will take it forward once you get connected.