Bell’s Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis that usually affects one side of the face or the other. The symptoms come on suddenly and gradually disappear over the course of a few weeks. Symptoms and recovery may vary from person to person.
Bell’s Palsy Symptoms
Bell’s Palsy occurs when the 7th cranial nerve or facial nerve is compressed, according to the "Bell’s Palsy Fact Sheet" of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The facial nerve controls facial movement and eye blinking, and carries nerve signals controlling tear production and the sense of taste. The cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown, but researchers suspect viral infections like the common cold sore virus (herpes simplex) cause inflammation and pressure on the nerve, according to the NINDS.
Palsy symptoms vary by individual and may include:
- facial twitching
- weakness or paralysis in the face
- drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth
- drooling
- dry eye or mouth
- impairment of taste
- excessive tearing in the eye
These symptoms may cause facial distortion. It is not uncommon for those who are suffering from facial paralysis to believe that they may be having a stroke. However, those with Bell’s Palsy are not suffering from a stroke. Stroke sufferers experiencing facial paralysis would have muscle weakness elsewhere, according to “Understanding Bell's Palsy – The Basics,” on WebMD.
Palsy Treatment
Treatment for Bell’s Palsy depends on whether the patient’s doctor determines the cause is likely to be a virus or inflammation, according to the NINDS. Antiviral drugs like acyclovir are prescribed when the facial palsy is thought to be related to viral infection. Steroids like prednisone are prescribed when the facial paralysis is thought to be caused by inflammation.
Those who are suffering from palsy symptoms experience the worst symptoms 48 hours after onset. They recover gradually over time and most recover completely. Those who continue to suffer from facial paralysis may need additional testing (such as an MRI or blood culture) to determine if there are other causes, according to WebMD. Options for long-term facial paralysis include grafting another nerve to the facial nerve or botulinum toxin injections to help alleviate symptoms of long-term facial twitching.
Caring for the Drooping Eyelid
Although facial palsy symptoms vary with the individual, those who are suffering from a drooping eyelid and unblinking eye will need to take special care. The eye must be kept moist night and day, according to WebMD. In the daytime, saline-based eye drops like Artificial Tears or mineral-oil based eye drops like Bausch & Lomb’s Soothe XP may be used. At nighttime, a special ointment can be used and the eye should be taped shut to keep it moist.
Bell’s Palsy symptoms come on quickly and can be a great cause of concern for sufferers who may fear they are having a stroke. Facial palsy is not a stroke but a condition caused by damage to the 7th cranial nerve. Palsy treatment may include antiviral drugs or steroids, depending on what the patient’s doctor suspects may have caused the nerve damage. Most patients recover completely in time but there are options available for long-term sufferers.
References
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet” (accessed March 5, 2010).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Bell's Palsy Information Page” (accessed March 5, 2010).
WebMD, “Understanding Bell's Palsy – The Basics” (accessed March 5, 2010).
WebMD, “Bell’s Palsy – Treatment Options” (accessed March 5, 2010).
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment without the opinion of a health professional.
Genna Cockerham - Genna Cockerham has been writing online since November 2008. She served as Marriage Feature Writer from December 2008 to February ...
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