Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the 7th cranial nerve, one of the facial nerves. It is the most common cause of facial paralysis. Generally, Bell's palsy affects only one side of the face, but it can affect both sides.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms vary among individuals and include sudden weakness on one side of the face, drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth, drooling, inability to close the eye or mouth, altered taste, and excessive tearing in the eye. Symptoms appear suddenly and reach their peak within 72 hours. Bell's palsy can range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis, and can cause significant facial distortion.

Cause

The exact cause of Bell's palsy isn't known, but many scientists believe that reactivation of a dormant viral infection can cause the facial nerve to swell and become inflamed. Several other conditions can cause facial paralysis that might be diagnosed as Bell's palsy. The disorder can affect anyone at any age.

Risk factors

Risk factors include pregnancy, preeclampsia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and upper respiratory ailments.

Treatment

Steroids can increase the probability of facial nerve function recovery. Antiviral drugs (in addition to steroids) might help with the recovery of facial nerve function. Analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may relieve pain. Keeping the eye moist and protecting it from debris and injury, especially at night, is important. Lubricating eye drops can help. Other therapies such as physical therapy, facial massage, or acupuncture may provide a potential small improvement in facial nerve function and pain.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. The extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within two weeks after the initial onset of symptoms and most recover some or all facial function within six months. Some individuals may show moderate to severe side effects. In some cases, residual muscle weakness may last longer or may be permanent.

External links

Classification	ICD-10: G51.0 ICD-9-CM: 351.0 MeSH: D020330 DiseasesDB: 1303
External resources	MedlinePlus: 000773 eMedicine: emerg/56 neuro/413 ent/719 oph/508

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