Bell's palsy is a condition in which one of the facial nerves becomes paralyzed, causing pain, alteration in appearance, difficulty eating and eye problems. While it typically affects one side of the face, some sufferers are affected on both sides. The condition often resolves whether it is treated or not, explains MedlinePlus, a website maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
Description
Bell's palsy symptoms include drooping on one side of the face, drooling, ear pain, headache and inability to make facial expressions. The affected eye may become very dry or tear excessively. The affected side of the face may twitch uncontrollably. The individual may be especially sensitive to sound in the affected ear, explains MayoClinic.com.
Risk
Some conditions increase the risk of the development of Bell's palsy symptoms. People with diabetes and women in the last trimester of pregnancy are at increased risk. The first week after childbirth is also a common time for symptoms to develop, explains MayoClinic.com. A current or recent virus, such as herpes, the cold, influenza, cytomegalovirus, or Epstein-Barr virus increase the risk of developing Bell's palsy. Some individuals may inherit a tendency to have Bell's palsy.
Etiology
Bell's palsy symptoms occur when the facial nerve becomes inflamed. This is usually due to a virus or damage to the nerve. As it becomes inflamed, it swells and presses upon bone, which causes pain and the other symptoms. The nerve becomes temporarily unable to transmit the normal messages needed for facial expression, eating, talking and blinking.
Treatment
Treatment of symptoms often includes steroids to reduce inflammation. Mild pain medicine may be required until the pain resolves. An antiviral medication may be added to the regimen. The patient is typically encouraged to rest, to avoid getting too much sunlight exposure to the affected eye, and to massage the affected area several times each day. Lubricant eye drops may be needed if the eye becomes dry.
Course
Bell's palsy symptoms typically begin suddenly, with paralysis developing within 48 hours of onset. "Medical-Surgical Nursing" indicates that some patients complain of facial pain or pain behind the ear for a couple of days prior to other symptoms. A typical course involves paralysis or weakness for up to two weeks, with gradual improvement until symptoms are fully resolved in one to three months. Some patients experience a delay in the full resolution of symptoms, remaining affected for around six months, and others have long-term or permanent deficits, including residual weakness and nerve damage.
References
- MedlinePlus: Bell's Palsy
- MayoClinic.com: Bell's Palsy
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Bell's Palsy
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
