Bell’s Palsy Symptoms and Recovery: Causes & Treatment

Introduction

Questions about the symptoms of Bell’s palsy and its recovery process arise among those who suffer from a sudden onset of paralysis or weakening of their facial muscles. Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder, which manifests itself through problems with making facial expressions or smiling because it impacts the facial nerve. Though the exact causes of this disorder are often unknown, early recognition and appropriate treatment can help with a faster recovery.

Bell’s Palsy Symptoms and Recovery: What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a medical term that refers to an abrupt weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. This medical problem develops because of inflammation or swelling of the seventh cranial nerve, also called the facial nerve. In this way, facial muscles do not work normally, leading to the dropping of one side of the face. Bell’s palsy can develop in any person, but usually happens to people aged 15 to 60 years.

Bell’s Palsy Symptoms and Recovery: Causes

There is still much uncertainty regarding what causes Bell’s palsy. Nonetheless, it is widely agreed that the condition is usually cause by viral infection resulting in inflammation of the facial nerve. The viruses that cause Bell’s palsy include the herpes simplex virus which results in cold sores, influenza, shingles, and other respiratory infections. Other conditions that might predispose to Bell’s palsy include diabetes and pregnancy.

Bell’s Palsy Symptoms

The signs of Bell’s palsy typically occur rather quickly within a few hours or days. They range from mild weakness to total facial paralysis.

Symptoms commonly experienced include:

• Sudden onset of weakness or drooping of one side of the face

• Problems smiling and/or closing one eye

• Drooling

• Facial expression changes

• Pain in the ear area and jaw

• Hyper-sensitivity to sounds in one ear

• Taste changes

• Dry eye or increased tearing

• Eating and drinking difficulties

Since the signs may be similar to a stroke, a visit to the doctor is important when these symptoms arise suddenly.

Bell’s Palsy Diagnosis Methods

Physicians can diagnose Bell’s palsy by conducting a physical and neurological evaluation of the patient. This includes checking the ability of the muscles in the face to move and excluding any other possible underlying health complications such as a stroke or a brain tumor. Sometimes an MRI or CT scan is conduct as part of the diagnosis process.

Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Early treatment is very helpful in the recovery process. Corticosteroids are frequently used in the first 72 hours after the symptoms develop to prevent nerve swelling. Eye care is critical since the inability to close the eyes properly may lead to dehydration of the eyes and harm the cornea. Artificial tears, lubricating eye ointments, and eye masks help safeguard the injured eye.

Recovering from Bell’s Palsy

Recovery depends on the extent of nerve injury. Improvement can be seen within 2-3 weeks in most people. Complete recovery is seen within 3-6 months. In mild cases, full recovery is expected, while in severe cases, there might be some residual weakness or facial movements beyond the patient’s control.

Tips for Recovery

• Proper consumption of medications.

• Facial exercises according to the directions of your doctor.

• Protection of your injured eye from dryness and injury.

• Nerve recovery through appropriate eating habits.

• Adequate rest and management of stress.

• Timely visits to all appointments.

When to Visit a Physician

One needs to seek urgent care when he or she gets facial weakness abruptly and accompanied with speech problems, weakness in one arm, a serious headache or loss of balance since this may be cause by a stroke. One should visit his or her physician if the Bell’s palsy symptoms are becoming worse, not improving after several weeks or there is eye irritation.

Conclusion

Since one has knowledge about the signs and symptoms of Bell’s Palsy as well as the recovery process from this illness, he or she will be able to identify that he or she has this temporary illness of the facial nerves. Although Bell’s Palsy can occur suddenly, it is true that most people manage to recover from this disease effectively.