Bell's Palsy
What is Bell's Palsy ?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. Often, the weakness is short-term and improves over weeks. The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop. Smiles are one-sided, and the eye on the affected side is hard to close.
Bell’s palsy is also known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause. It can occur at any age. The exact cause is not known. Experts think it’s caused by swelling and irritation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face. Bell’s palsy could be caused by a reaction that occurs after a viral infection. Symptoms usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months. A small number of people continue to have some Bell’s palsy symptoms for life. Rarely does Bell’s palsy occur more than once.
Symptoms
- Mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face
- Facial droop and trouble making facial expressions
- Drooling
- Pain around the jaw/pain in or behind the ear
- Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced
- Ringing in your ears
- Difficulty speaking, eating or drinking
- Dry eyes
- Tearing
Cause
Although the exact reason Bell’s palsy occurs isn’t clear, it’s often related to having a viral infection. Viruses that have been linked to Bell’s palsy include viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex. Chickenpox and shingles, also known as herpes zoster. Infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Cytomegalovirus infections. Respiratory illnesses, caused by adenoviruses. German measles, also known as rubella. Mumps, caused by the mumps virus. Flu, also known as influenza B. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, caused by a coxsackievirus. The nerve that controls facial muscles passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to the face. In Bell’s palsy, that nerve becomes inflamed and swollen — usually related to a viral infection. Besides affecting facial muscles, the nerve affects tears, saliva, taste and a small bone in the middle of the ear.
Risk Factors
Bell’s palsy occurs more often in people who are pregnant, especially during the third trimester, or who are in the first week after giving birth. Have an upper respiratory infection, such as the flu or a cold. Have diabetes. Have high blood pressure. Have obesity. It’s rare for Bell’s palsy to come back. But when it does, there’s often a family history of repeated attacks. This suggests that Bell’s palsy might have something to do with genes.
When to see a Doctor
Seek medical help right away if you experience any type of paralysis because you may be having a stroke. Bell’s palsy is not caused by a stroke, but the symptoms of both conditions are similar. If you have facial weakness or drooping, see your healthcare professional to find out the cause and the severity of the illness.