Bell’s palsy is a condition characterized by a temporary paralysis of the face. The paralysis is caused by damage to cranial nerve seven, or the facial nerve, which controls the contraction of many of the muscles in the face, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. The disease can be caused by various conditions. Understanding the possible causes for Bell’s palsy helps physicians identify the underlying condition the patient suffers from, which then helps them choose the best possible treatment.
Herpes Simplex Virus
The herpes simplex virus, or HSV, can be a cause of Bell’s palsy, according to MayoClinic.com. The virus typically causes oral sores and genital herpes. Often this disease has no effect on the nerves in the face. However, in rare, severe cases of HSV infection, the virus can cause damage to nerves. Once the facial nerve becomes damaged, patients will experience temporary facial paralysis. Bell’s palsy will last until the viral infection has been eradicated.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a neurological condition spread by deer ticks. The disease causes damage to many nerves within the body. Lyme disease has been listed as a cause of Bell’s palsy, reports KidsHealth.org. The disease can begin to damage the facial nerve and cause paralysis. Bell’s palsy is not a common result of Lyme disease, but the condition should be considered in any patient who has contracted the disease. The paralysis begins as a mild symptom but progresses rapidly as the disease progresses. Once the patient has been treated, the symptoms of Bell’s palsy usually disappear.
Diabetes
Patients suffering from diabetes may also develop Bell’s palsy, reports MedlinePlus. Diabetes has been listed as a possible cause of the temporary facial paralysis. Diabetes mellitus causes high levels of glucose, or sugar, within the bloodstream. The high levels of glucose can cause damage to nerves. If the facial nerve is affected by this damage, then the patient will manifest symptoms of Bell’s palsy. If the diabetic receives adequate treatment for the condition, nerve damage is prevented or reversed.
Injury to the Face
Trauma to the head or face can cause Bell’s palsy, states KidsHealth.org. The trauma can cause the bones that the facial nerve passes through to break and damage the nerve. Often the facial nerve becomes compressed within the narrow channel it uses to pass through the bones of the skull. The compression causes damage and irritation to the facial nerve. The patient will exhibit difficulty eating, drooling, weakness of the facial muscles, and droopiness of the eyelids and one corner of the mouth.
