What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is a form of Facial Paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) causing an inability to control facial muscles on the affected side.
Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of the face to droop. The nerve damage may also affect one’s sense of taste and how one makes tears and saliva.
This condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks.
Typically, the condition gets better on its own with most achieving normal or near-normal function. Many show signs of improvement as early as 10 days after the onset, even without treatment.
Causes Of Bell’s Palsy:
The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is yet unknown.
However, it is often linked to exposure to a viral infection.
Viruses that have been linked to Bell’s Palsy include the virus that causes:
- Cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex)
- Chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster)
- Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr)
- Cytomegalovirus infections
- Respiratory illnesses (adenovirus)
- German measles (rubella)
- Mumps (mumps virus)
- Flu (influenza B)
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (coxsackievirus)
Bell’s Palsy occurs more often in people who:
- Are pregnant, especially during the third trimester, or who are in the first week after giving birth
- Have an upper respiratory infection, such as the flu or a cold
- Have diabetes
Symptoms Of Bell’s Palsy
The following symptoms are exhibited by those suffering from Bell’s Palsy:
- Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face — occurring within hours to days
- Facial droop and difficulty making facial expressions, such as closing an eye or smiling
- Drooling
- Pain around the jaw or in or behind the ear on the affected side
- Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Headache
- A decrease in the ability to taste
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva one produces
Diagnosis Of Bell’s Palsy:
The following tests help eliminate other causes of the symptoms exhibited, thereby diagnosing Bell’s Palsy.
- Electromyography (EMG).
This test can confirm the presence of nerve damage and determine its severity.
- Imaging scans.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) may be needed on occasion to rule out other possible sources of pressure on the facial nerve, such as a tumor or skull fracture.
Treatment Of Bell’s Palsy:
Most cases of Bell’s palsy improve without treatment. Still, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these therapies for symptom relief and faster recovery:
- Eye care: Eye drops, including artificial tears, soothe dry, irritated eyes. If your eyelid won’t close, you may need to wear an eye patch to protect that eye from drying, irritants and injuries. Eye care is very important to prevent damage to your cornea, a serious complication of Bell’s palsy.
- Oral corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) can help decrease nerve swelling. It may help you regain facial movement faster. This treatment is most effective when you start it within 48 hours of noticing symptoms.
- Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications may speed up recovery. But it’s unclear how much benefit they provide. Providers typically only prescribe them for severe Bell’s palsy. This treatment works best when you combine it with oral corticosteroids.
- Electrical stimulation: Although some providers recommend electrical stimulation to prevent facial muscle loss after Bell’s palsy, studies haven’t shown any benefit of this treatment.
In the rare case that Bell’s palsy doesn’t go away, functional facial plastic surgery procedures are an option. They can help correct facial asymmetry and assist with eyelid closure.
Home Remedies for Bell’s Palsy
Home Remedies for Bell’s Palsy can play a vital role in supporting recovery and easing facial nerve inflammation naturally. One of the most effective remedies is gentle facial massage using warm oil, which helps stimulate blood circulation and relax stiff muscles. Regular facial exercises such as raising the eyebrows, smiling, or blinking can also aid in improving muscle tone and coordination. Applying a warm compress to the affected area may relieve pain and promote nerve function. These simple steps, when done consistently, can provide noticeable relief over time.
In addition to physical therapies, lifestyle adjustments like getting adequate rest, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants can further support healing. Some people find benefits in acupuncture and herbal teas like ginger or chamomile, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and nerve-calming properties. While these Home Remedies for Bell’s Palsy do not replace medical treatment, they offer gentle, supportive care that can enhance recovery and improve overall well-being.
By : Natural Health News
