Bell’s palsy is a facial nerve disorder that causes muscle paralysis on one side of the face, often with no identifiable cause. Symptoms include facial weakness, numbness, and drooping, and can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and antivirals. Most people recover within a month.
Bell’s palsy is a common condition in which inflammation or damage to the facial nerve causes muscle paralysis on one side of the face. The disorder tends to come on suddenly, causing half of the face to droop and feel numb to the touch. Most episodes are relatively short-lived and symptoms may disappear on their own within two to three weeks. Doctors usually suggest seeking medical treatment, however, to relieve symptoms and promote faster recovery times.
It is often difficult to identify an underlying cause of nerve inflammation, and many cases of Bell’s palsy are considered idiopathic. There is evidence to suggest that some types of viruses, including herpes simplex and Epstein-Barr, can attack and damage the facial nerve. Diabetes is also known to affect the blood vessels and nerves in the face, which can make you more likely to develop the condition. Also, some people appear to be genetically predisposed to nerve problems.
Bell’s palsy symptoms usually come on quickly, sometimes within minutes. The left or right side of the face starts to feel weak and tingly, and there may be a dull ache in the jaw region. Total paralysis can occur within hours to days, making it impossible to open or close the affected eye and half of the mouth. Other symptoms may include progressively worsening headaches, sensitivity to sound, drooling, and increased tear production.
A person who believes they have symptoms of Bell’s palsy should seek medical help right away. Several other more serious conditions can also cause facial paralysis, including strokes and tumors. A doctor can rule out other causes by doing MRI scans and EEG scans to look for physical abnormalities or changes in brain activity. Blood tests may be done to confirm the presence of a particular virus. After making a diagnosis, your doctor can explain your different treatment options.
Patients with mild Bell’s palsy can simply be instructed to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and massage their faces regularly to help improve symptoms. A moderate to severe case may require a corticosteroid injection to relieve inflammation immediately and a prescription for antivirals to clear the infection. A patient may also be instructed to use moisturizing eye drops and wear an eye patch at night to avoid irritation. Most people are able to recover completely from symptoms within a month, although some individuals experience recurring episodes of Bell’s palsy.
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