Bell's palsy
Definition
Facial paralysis or weakness with a sudden onset, caused by swelling or inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the facial muscles. Disseminated Lyme disease sometimes causes Bell's palsy.
It is a
unilateral paralysis of the facial nerve, thought to result from trauma
to the nerve, compression of the nerve, or infection, of which herpes
simplex virus is thought to be the most common. Any or all branches of
the nerve may be affected. The person may not be able to close an eye or
control salivation on the affected side. It usually resolves over weeks
but can leave some permanent damage, including decreased taste and
hypersensitivity to noise on the affected side. Also called Bell's paralysis.
Sign and Symptoms
Symptoms of Bell's palsy include:- Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of face that causes it to droop. This is the main symptom.
- Drooling.
- Eye problems, such as excessive tearing or a dry eye.
- Loss of ability to taste.
- Pain in or behind ear.
- Numbness in the affected side of face.
- Increased sensitivity to sound.
Diagnosis
Doctor may diagnose Bell's palsy by asking questions, such as about how symptoms developed. He or she will also give a physical and neurological exam to check facial nerve function.If the cause of symptoms is not clear, may need other tests, such as blood tests, an MRI, or a CT scan.
Treatment
Most people who have Bell's palsy recover completely, without treatment, in 1 to 2 months. This is especially true for people who can still partly move their facial muscles. But a small number of people may have permanent muscle weakness or other problems on the affected side of the face.Patient may need to take a corticosteroid. This medicine can lower your risk for long-term problems from Bell\s palsy. Doctor may also have take antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir. Antiviral medicines used alone don?t help with Bell's palsy
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