MedlinePlus explains that Bell's palsy, a disorder that results in facial paralysis from damage to the seventh cranial nerve, affects two in 10,000 people. Patients can have the temporary facial paralysis on the right or left side of the face, depending upon which facial nerve becomes affected. Bell's palsy can also cause patients to have other symptoms such as headache, loss of taste, drooling, facial weakness and pain by the ear.
Diagnosis
Before treatment can begin, the doctor needs to determine that the patient has Bell's palsy and not another condition that would cause facial paralysis, like a tumor or head injury. For example, MedlinePlus notes that the doctor may give blood tests for Lyme disease or sarcoidosis, two conditions that can lead to Bell's palsy. Physical examinations include electromyography, which checks the muscle, and nerve conduction test, which examines the electrical signal of the nerve, specifically the facial nerve. The doctor may also order a magnetic resonance imaging scan, which creates an image of the affected area that the doctor can examine.
No Treatment
Some Bell's palsy patients may not need treatment. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that in mild cases, the symptoms of Bell's palsy go away within two weeks. The patient's doctor will tell him whether he needs treatment or not.
Medication and Physical Therapy
If Bell's palsy patients require treatment, they may take medications or undergo physical therapy. The MayoClinic.com points out that the two medications for Bell's palsy include corticosteroids and antiviral drugs. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, reduce the inflammation of the facial nerve that may cause Bell's palsy. If a virus like herpes simplex causes Bell's palsy, patients may take antiviral drugs like valacyclovir and acyclovir. Physical therapy can help prevent the shrinking of muscles around the facial nerve. The therapist can help teach the patient how to exercise facial muscles. Physical therapy may also use massage to keep the muscles loose.
Controversy with Surgery
Some Bell's palsy patients may opt for a type of surgery called decompression. This surgery relieves pressure on the nerve through the removal of nearby bone. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke points out that this treatment for Bell's palsy is controversial and is rarely recommended by doctors. The controversy arises from the surgery not providing more benefits than medication, and that decompression surgery can result in complications such as serious damage to the facial nerve that may make the facial paralysis permanent.
Prognosis
MedlinePlus points out that 60 to 80 percent of Bell's palsy patients fully recover within a few weeks or months. Some patients may have some permanent changes to the nerve or face, but none of these problems are life threatening.
