affect one side of the face
What is Bell''s palsy? How is it possible for this type of paralysis to affect the facial muscles? Is it permanent or temporary paralysis? What are its causes, symptoms and methods of treatment? Bell''s Palsy is known by several different names, such as: Facial Nerve Palsy, Facial Paralysis, and Facial Nerve Palsy. Let us learn about Bell''s palsy in the following:
What is Bell''s palsy?
Bell''s palsy is a neurological disorder that is often temporary and is the most common type of facial paralysis. Bell''s palsy arises when the seventh nerve in the face suffers from a defect that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the side of the face that is controlled by this nerve, so that the affected side appears to have a kind of relaxation or stiffness.
Bell''s palsy is named after the physician Charles Bell, who was the first to document the condition.
Symptoms of Bell''s palsy usually appear suddenly, develop rapidly, and reach their maximum severity within 48 hours. The severity of the symptoms on the patient ranges from mild to severe.
The main cause of Bell''s palsy is still not clear, but it is believed that some factors may stimulate its appearance and genesis, such as infection with a viral infection, and Bell''s palsy is more common in the age groups between 15-45 years.
Although Bell''s palsy often resolves without the need for treatment, seeking treatment from a doctor during the course of the injury may help reduce swelling and inflammation of the seventh nerve, which may speed up recovery.
Bell''s palsy is not a serious condition, but its symptoms may resemble those of a stroke or some other serious health problem, so it is preferable to consult a doctor as soon as you feel weakness or paralysis in the face.
What is the seventh nerve?
The seventh cranial nerve is one of the cranial nerves, and is known as the facial nerve. Each person has two facial nerves, each extending to one side of the face.
These are the most important functions of the seventh nerve
Control the movement of facial muscles.
Stimulating salivary glands and lacrimal glands to carry out their usual functions.
Enabling the front of the tongue to sense the taste of food.
Controlling the movement of the muscles responsible for the sense of hearing.
Causes of Bell''s palsy
The facial nerve passes from the brain to the face through a narrow bony cavity, but when this nerve suffers from a defect, it swells, and when this nerve swells, it begins to rub against the hard surface of the skull.
With the nerve constantly rubbing against the surrounding bones, this may cause damage to the protective membrane surrounding the nerve, which may impair the ability of the facial nerve to carry out its usual functions, resulting in Bell''s palsy.
The causes of inflammation and facial nerve problems that may lead to Bell''s palsy are still not clear, but it is believed that some viruses may play a role in stimulating the infection, such as these viruses:
Herpes viruses, such as the virus that causes herpes zoster (Shingles).
Epstein-Barr virus.
Mumps virus.
Cytomegalovirus.
Adenovirus.
German measles (Rubella).
risk factors
These are the most important factors that may increase the chances of infection
Genes and heredity.
Having one of the following health problems: diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia.
Exposure to an accident or some kind of toxic substance.
Pregnancy and childbirth, especially during the following periods: the third trimester of pregnancy, and the first week after childbirth.
Symptoms of Bell''s palsy
These are the main symptoms of Bell''s palsy, which often appear on one side of the face
Sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
Relaxation in some areas of the face, such as relaxation of one side of the mouth.
Difficulty closing one eyelid, and the inability to blink, which may cause dry eye.
A defect in facial expressions.
Significant changes in or complete loss of the sense of taste.
Pain in the head area, which may appear in the form of: headache, pain behind the ear, and pain in the jaw or face.
Excessive sweating or excessive drooling from one side of the mouth.
Increased sensitivity to sound sources.
Other symptoms, such as: difficulty eating, speech problems, and tremors.
Diagnosis of Bell''s palsy
There is no specific test to diagnose Bell''s palsy, but certain tests may help rule out other health problems with symptoms similar to those of Bell''s palsy, such as a stroke.
These are the most important tests that the doctor may suggest to reach the correct diagnosis:
Electromyography examination.
Some types of medical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography.
Bell''s palsy treatment
Usually, the condition of most patients with Bell''s palsy begins to improve after two weeks, and the patient recovers completely after 3-6 months, but in some cases, Bell''s palsy may be a permanent health problem. The doctor may suggest some treatment methods to speed up recovery, such as:
Household practices, such as: using eyeglasses and eye s during the day, wearing eye protection at bedtime, and taking pain relievers whenever needed.
Alternative medicine and physiotherapy procedures, such as: massaging paralyzed facial muscles to prevent their contraction, and acupuncture.
Some types of medication, such as: corticosteroids and antiviral drugs.
Surgical procedures, such as: Decompression surgery, and plastic surgery.
