Hospital Hours : Monday to Saturday - 10am to 7pm
- suratenthospital@gmail.com
- +91 8155004488
Hospital Hours : Monday to Saturday - 10am to 7pm
What is Bell's Palsy?
- Named after Surgeon Sir Charles Bell's and also known as facial palsy, Bell's palsy is the sudden weakness of one side of the face.
- It is often temporary and is attributed to the inflammation of the facial nerve that controls the muscles on the weakened side of the face.
What Causes Bell's Palsy?
The direct cause is not usually known, but Bell's palsy is often preceded by symptoms of a viral syndrome.
Other commonly mentioned triggers include:
1 stress,
2 trauma,
3 fever, and
4 tooth extractions.
There is a strong correlation with the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lip. There has also been an association found with shingles and its associated blistering (from the herpes zoster virus). Bell's palsy has been associated with Lyme diseasewhere it is common. The facial muscle is the most commonly paralyzed nerve of the body.
Bell's Palsy Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. The extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery. Improvement is gradual and recovery times vary. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within 2 weeks after the initial onset of symptoms and most recover completely, returning to normal function within 3 to 6 months. For some, however, the symptoms may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear. In rare cases, the disorder may recur, either on the same or the opposite side of the face.
How to Test for Bell's Palsy
Your symptoms and the physical examination by your doctor is often the most important part in making a diagnosis of Bell's palsy.
Often no tests are needed for adequate diagnosis. If X-rays are taken, however, most likely a CT scan or MRI of your head will be performed. This X-ray is only necessary if your doctor suspects a stroke, tumor, or other serious neurological disease as a cause of your symptoms.