Bell’s Palsy (Facial Nerve Palsy)

Just try to imagine yawning, stretching, and brushing your teeth on a very beautiful day and then, eventually find out that under those adorable smiles you have; one side of your face is not working aptly. Your smile is not moving along western lines with one eye blinking uncharacteristically and even sipping coffee looks out of place. Doesn’t it seem scary? Most of the people experience the shock when Bell’s Palsy or any such kind of facial paralysis strikes unexpectedly.

Don’t worry—these incidents happen more often than you might think, and doctors usually diagnose and treat them fully.

What is Bell’s Palsy?

One hallmark of Bell’s palsy is the transient paralysis or weakness of some facial muscles, often easily recognizable, on one side. It would often have been caused by compression or inflammatory lesions of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII).

Since facial nerves supply most of the muscles producing emotions, this results in a split face that is generally displayed as a mouth dropping on one side, difficulty in closing one eye, and loss of taste on the anterior two-thirds.

Quick Facts:

• Affects about 1 in 60 people during their lifetime.
• However, it occurs at any age but more commonly between 15 and 60 years.
• Pregnant, diabetic, or with upper respiratory problems are at a higher risk.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

While the exact cause is not always known, viral infections are commonly at fault. The most probable trigger is thought to be the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores). This reactivation of the virus can cause inflammation and swelling in the facial nerve.

Other possible causes include:

• Infections of the respiratory tract
• Ear infections
• Lyme disease
• Trauma or stress
• Autoimmune reactions

Although the conditions are almost similar as to their symptoms, they do have one major thing that separates them from each other. Bell’s palsy, unlike stroke, affects the whole side of the face, while strokes are known to primarily affect the lower half of the face with possibly some movement preserved at the forehead. The paralysis in the body may be seen in arm or leg movements.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

1. Loss of the facial expression.
2. Drooping of the face – lower eyelid, eyebrow and corner of the mouth sag.
3. Closing the eye is difficult.
4. Eating is difficult because food collects in the side of the cheek and fluids seep out of the corner of the mouth.
5. Impairs speaking, whistling, and drinking.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

There is no single test that can determine if a patient has Bell’s palsy; rather, other causes need to be eliminated. The doctor could carry out the following:

• A physical examination
• A neurological examination of facial expressions
• Imaging studies, like CT scans or MRIs (to exclude tumors or stroke),
• Bloodwork (to find infections, diabetes, etc.)

Timely diagnosis and exclusion of other more serious conditions are paramount in securing a patient’s recovery.

Treatment Options: What Can Be Done?

The good news? The majority of people begin to heal in two to three weeks, and complete recovery usually occurs in three to six months. Nevertheless, early intervention greatly enhances the result.

Here are some typical approaches to treatment:

1. Drugs

• Prednisone is one example of a corticosteroid that helps lessen inflammation surrounding the nerve. Most successful when initiated within 72 hours of the beginning of symptoms.
• If doctors suspect a viral infection, they may prescribe antiviral medications along with steroids.

2. Eye Health

Your eye may dry up and become more susceptible to damage if you are unable to shut it correctly.

• Apply eye lubricant drops.
• At night, use eye ointment.
• To protect your eyes, especially when you’re sleeping, use an eye patch.

3. Surgery and Botox (in rare cases)

• In rare cases of synkinesis (involuntary muscle movements), Botox injections may calm overactive muscles.
• Surgeons rarely consider surgery, and they usually recommend it only after several months of poor recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Bell’s Palsy (Your Secret Weapon!)

We have in-sight highlights such as shape and strength. The finer things associated with physiotherapy are enhancement of jaw muscles and greater speed of healing.

• Facial exercises: Facial exercises are physiotherapy methods that use gentle movements to retrain muscles.
• Massage therapy: It encourages neural activities and blood flow.
• Electrical stimulation: It prevents tightness by stimulating face muscles.
• Mirror therapy: It improves coordination by using visual feedback when performing exercise.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The majority of individuals with Bell’s palsy tend to show some form of recovery within a few weeks regardless of the treatment they have. Most usually regain fairly normal or normal functions concerning their face after an average period of 3 to 6 months.

Factors Associated With Recovery:

• The severity of the nerve injury
• Timely Treatment
• Age and overall health
• Presence of other diseases like diabetes

Can Bell’s Palsy Come Back?

A recurrence will usually occur only once, but then it can occur for the next 7-10% of patients. You can reduce the risk by training regularly, managing chronic illnesses, and maintaining a strong immune system.

Advice on Handling Bell’s Palsy

Having facial asymmetry, however minimal it may be, suddenly becomes very taxing psychologically for some time. Here are some coping strategies and self-care recommendations:

• Recovery appears to take a long time, so you have to be patient with yourself.
• Morning and evening, face exercises under supervision.
• Use emotional support strategies, such as writing a journal or attending therapy.
• Join a support group; you’re not alone on this road.
• Patients should eat soft foods and chew on the unaffected side.
• If you’re having trouble sipping, try using a cup with a cover or a straw.

Conclusion

Though Bell’s palsy strikes quite often suddenly and without any warning signs, it does not need to take over one’s life. Most people recover satisfactorily through early medical treatment, frequent physiotherapy, and a positive mindset.

At Shape and Strength, we will be with you every step of the way while you readjust your natural alignments through treatment and regain your confidence.