Bell's palsy: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition of Bell's palsy

Have you heard of Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles that can't be explained what causes it. Usually this condition appears suddenly and gets worse after more than 48 hours or two days.

Bell's palsy can occur if there is damage to the facial nerve. This causes a deformation on one side of the face, where the face will appear “drooping”. In fact, this condition causes pain and discomfort that appears on one side of the face or head.

This condition can be experienced by anyone. However, Bell's palsy occurs most frequently in pregnant women and people with diabetes, influenza, flu, and various other respiratory disorders.

Even so, Bell's palsy is not a permanent disease, although in certain cases, it doesn't go away. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment that can really cure this condition.

It's just that the treatment, which is usually carried out for two weeks to six months, is done to reduce or relieve the various symptoms that appear.

How common is Bell's palsy?

As previously mentioned, Bell's palsy can affect anyone, both male and female. However, this disease usually occurs in the age range of 15 to 60 years.

You can limit your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Always consult a doctor for more information.

Bell's palsy signs and symptoms

Symptoms of this disease usually appear suddenly and can improve within a few weeks, with a complete recovery of about 6 months.

The main and most characteristic symptom of Bell's palsy is sudden paralysis of the nerve on one side of the face. This nerve palsy causes the face and lips to become asymmetrical, aka inclined, similar to the symptoms of a stroke.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of Bell's palsy are:

• Facial skin appears to "sag" on one or both sides of the face.
• Salivate.
• Sensitive to sound.
• Pain in the jaw or behind the ear.
• Headache.
• Reduced sense of taste.
• Difficulty showing an expression on your face and even difficulty closing your eyes or smiling.
• Total paralysis on one side of the face. Generally, symptoms can last for several hours, or maybe even several days.

There are several things that can indicate a nerve abnormality in your face. However, you need to know that the level of nerve paralysis generally varies and depends on the damage caused by the cranial nerves (nerves in the head).

As a small example, maybe you start to find it difficult to move your cheeks and smile wide open.

To diagnose this neurological disorder, you will need visual examination tests and movement tests. Usually, the doctor will also ask you to try and move certain facial muscles to evaluate the condition of the neurological disorder you are experiencing.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any questions about this sign, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You need to call your doctor if:

• Have the above symptoms.
• Have tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, or difficulty hearing.
• Weakened or paralyzed body parts.
• Reddened, sore, irritated, or difficult to stop tears.
• Experiencing drug side effects.

Causes of Bell's palsy

Although the cause of Bell's palsy has not been determined, it is often associated with a viral infection. Some of the viruses related to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause the following diseases:

• Genital herpes (herpes simplex).
• Chicken pox and shingles (shingles).
• Monocytes (Epstein-Barr).
• Respiratory disease (Adenovirus).
• German measles (rubella).
• Mumps (mumps virus).
• Influenza (flu B).
• HFMD (Coxsackievirus).

Once infected, the facial nerve in the patient is inflamed and swollen causing complete paralysis or on one side of the face.

Risk factors for Bell's palsy

Some of the factors that increase your risk of developing this condition are:

• Pregnant women, especially during pregnancy in the last trimester or in the first few weeks after childbirth.
• Respiratory infections such as influenza or flu.
• Diabetes.
• History of a family member with Bell's palsy.

Complications of Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy that is not too severe usually goes away in as little as a month. However, in more severe cases, this condition can cause various complications, such as:

• Irreversible damage to the facial nerve.
• Growth of nerve fibers that occurs abnormally. This condition can cause unwanted muscle contractions when you try to move other muscles.
• Partial or complete blindness of the eye that cannot be closed. This condition can occur due to severe dryness and scratching of the cornea.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Bell's palsy

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests for Bell's palsy?

Other conditions, such as strokes, infections, Lyme disease, and tumors, can also cause facial muscles to weaken, causing symptoms similar to Bell's palsy. If the cause of your symptoms is not clear, your doctor may order a series of tests.

The doctor re-checks the medication history and ears, nose and mouth. Then, the doctor will perform a CT scan or MRI of the brain, plus a blood test to find the cause of Bell's palsy.

In addition, doctors may also order more specialized tests such as electromechanical alerts (EMG) to study nerve activity and predict the chance of a disease cure.

What are the treatment options for Bell's palsy?

Treatment of this disease usually depends on the severity of the risk and the symptoms. Treatment of Bell's palsy usually includes a therapy, medication, and recovery plan.

However, there are times when other medications and medications are also needed. The goal is to improve facial nerve function, reduce nerve damage, and protect the eye.

The most common treatments include the use of prednisone to reduce inflammation of the nerves. Then, use antiviral agents such as acyclovir (usually used to treat herpes infections).

In particular, if the doctor suspects a role for viral infection in the disease you are experiencing. Not to forget, eye care to prevent dry eyes and abrasion of the cornea.

Some of the treatment options for Bell's palsy are:

Drugs

Generally, the drugs used to treat this condition are:

1. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone are strong anti-inflammatory agents. These drugs can reduce swelling of the facial nerves. Corticosteroids can work best if they are taken a few days when symptoms begin.

2. Antiviral drugs

Antiviruses given along with steroids may be of benefit to some people, but this has not been proven.

Physical therapy

Paralyzed muscles can shrink and shorten, causing permanent contractures. A physical therapist can show you how to massage and exercise the facial muscles to prevent this from happening.

Operation

Generally, patients with mild symptoms will get better without treatment. However, in some rare cases, patients who do not fully recover have to undergo surgery to relieve pressure on the surface of the nerve or increase movement.

In the past, decompression surgery was used to relieve pressure on the facial nerve by exposing the portion of bone that passes through the nerve. But now, this operation is no longer recommended.

In rare cases, plastic surgery may be needed to fix permanent facial nerve problems.

Home remedies for Bell's palsy

Some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help treat Bell's palsy are:

1. Protects the eyes that cannot be closed

Use eye lubricants in the morning and afternoon, then use eye ointment at night to keep the eyes moist.

If possible, wear glasses or other eye protection during the day. Meanwhile, use an eye patch at night so it doesn't get scratched or scratched.

2. Use pain relievers

If you feel sick, you can use pain relievers that can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to reduce pain.

3. Physical therapy exercises

Ideally, physical therapy is accompanied by a therapist. However, if you can do it independently, there's nothing wrong with doing therapy at home without the help of other people.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.