Bell's palsy is a neurological or nerve disorder that affects the muscles on one side of the face. According to Mayo Clinic, the affected side becomes swollen, feels stiff and droops. Also, the smile is lopsided and the eye will not close. Mayo Clinic states that Bell's palsy can affect anyone, but those under the age of 15 or over the age of 60 are rarely diagnosed with this disorder.
Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, Bell's palsy symptoms improve after a few weeks and most people make a full recovery within three to six months. Ten percent of Bell's palsy patients will have a repeat episode, while very few continue to have symptoms for life. Mayo Clinic states that signs and symptoms appear suddenly and may include weakness or paralysis of one side of the face, facial drooping, pain around the jaw and ear of the affected side, sound sensitivity, headache, an inability to taste, and changes in tears and saliva.
Causes
Mayo Clinic states the most common cause of Bell's palsy is the herpes simplex virus. This virus is also the cause of cold sores and genital herpes. Mayo Clinic lists other viral causes, such as herpes zoster (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles), Epstein-Barr (the virus that causes mononucleosis) and cytomegalovirus. The virus infects the nerve that controls facial muscles, tear and saliva production, and taste and hearing.
Risk Factors
According to Mayo Clinic, Bell's palsy affects pregnant women, diabetics and people with upper respiratory infections more often. In some cases, patients have a genetic predisposition to Bell's palsy and will experience recurrent episodes. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports approximately 40,000 people are diagnosed with Bell's palsy in America each year.
Complications
Mayo Clinic states that recovery from total facial paralysis varies. Complications can include irreversible damage to the facial nerve, abnormal regeneration of nerve fibers that leave the patient with involuntary facial muscle contractions, and partial or complete blindness in the eye that doesn't close.
Treatment
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), no cure exists for Bell's palsy. Eliminating the source of nerve damage is the most important treatment factor. Mild cases of Bell's palsy may require no treatment because the symptoms will resolve on their own. Mayo Clinic suggests treating severe cases with corticosteroids or antiviral medications. NINDS also recommend physical therapy, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, biofeedback training, vitamin therapy and surgery as other options when considering a treatment regimen.
