What is Bell's palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Because of damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles of the face. The damage may also affect your sense of taste, tears and saliva. Bell's palsy often is not the result of a stroke. If sudden weakness on one side of the face it should be consults by a doctor.

What causes Bell's palsy?

Many health problems can cause facial muscles weakness or paralysis of the face. Actual cause of Bell's palsy is not clear. Most cases are finding to be caused by the herpes virus and cold sores. In most cases of Bell's palsy, the nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face is damaged by inflammation. When specific reason could not found for the facial weakness, this condition is called Bell's palsy.

What are the symptoms of the Bell’s palsy?

1. Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face is the main symptom. Patient may not to close eye on that side of the face.

2. Loss of ability to taste.

3. Pain in jaw opening or behind the ear.

4. Numbness in the affected side of the face.

5. Increased sensitivity to sound.

How is Bell's palsy diagnosed?

Doctor may diagnose Bell's palsy by asking few questions, such as about how are these symptoms developed. Doctor will also give you a physical and neurological exam to test facial nerve function. If the cause of your symptoms is not clear, you may need other tests, such as blood tests, an MRI, or CT SCAN.

Most patients who have Bell's palsy recover completely without treatment, in 1 to 2 months. But a small number of patients may have permanent muscle weakness or other problems on the affected side of the face.

Treatment with corticosteroid medicines can make it more likely that you will regain all facial movement. It would be better if they are taken soon after symptoms start (within 3 days) and electro therapy management  in physiotherapy treatment can be more beneficial of  Bell’s palsy, Sometimes antiviral medicines may be added to corticosteroid medicines to treat Bell's palsy. Some people may not be able to take corticosteroid medicines because of other health problems. It's important to remember that most people with Bell's palsy recover completely without any treatment.

 Few facial exercises application are the muscles in your face begins to work again, doing simple exercises-such as tightening and relaxing your facial muscles-may rejuvenate the muscles power and help you recover more quickly. Massage on your forehead, cheeks, and lips with oil or cream may also help to cure Bell’s palsy. If you can't blink or close your eye fully, your eye may become dry. Due to this condition can lead to sore and serious vision problems.

To help protect the eye and keep it moist:

·         Use your finger to close and open eyelid.

·         Use eye drops or ointment, you may use eye drops during the day and ointment at night while you sleep, ask your doctor how often to use the drops.

·         Wear glasses or goggles the rest of the time.

If you don’t have feelings of test and depositing saliva on one side of the tongue, food may get stuck there. Brush and floss your teeth well and help you to prevent mouth problems.  And to prevent swallowing problems, eat slowly and chew your food well. Eating soft, smooth foods may also help to cure problem. #SILIGURI