Bell's Palsy
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What is Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis, that usually results from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves. Generally, Bell's palsy affects only one side of the face, however, in rare cases, it can affect both sides.
Annually, there tends to be a case of Bell's Palsy in about 20 of every 100,000 people, and about 40,000 people yearly; Affecting about 1 of 65 people in a lifetime.
Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Symptoms of Bell's palsy usually begin suddenly and reach their peak within 48 hours.
There is a large range of symptoms associated with Bell's Palsy from mild weakness to total paralysis.
Other symptoms include:
Twitching
Weakness
Drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth
Drooling
Dry eye or mouth
Impairment of taste
Excessive tearing in the eye
There is a large range of symptoms associated with Bell's Palsy from mild weakness to total paralysis.
Other symptoms include:
Pictures of Bell's Palsy
Causes of Bell's Palsy
Most scientists believe that a viral infection such as viral meningitis or the common cold sore virus is what causes the disorder. When facial nerve swells and becomes inflamed in reaction to the infection, Bell's Palsy could be the result.
As to the exact cause of Bell's Palsy, it is not 100%.
Trauma and strain to a nerve or muscle in the neck and facial area may, also, cause the disorder.
As to the exact cause of Bell's Palsy, it is not 100%.
Trauma and strain to a nerve or muscle in the neck and facial area may, also, cause the disorder.
Books about Bell's Palsy
Likelihood of Being Affected by Bell's Palsy
Your chance of getting a Bell's Palsy increases with age.
A pregnant woman is three times more likely to get a Bell's palsy than a non-pregnant woman.
A pregnant woman is three times more likely to get a Bell's palsy than a non-pregnant woman.
Bell's Palsy: Acupuncture
Bell's Palsy Treatment
There is no cure or standard course of treatment for Bell's palsy.
With mild cases, they do not require treatment as the symptoms usually subside on their own within 2 weeks.
For other, more sever cases, treatment may include combining acyclovir, a viral infection medication, and prednisone, an inflammatory medication.
Decompression surgery may be an option for Bell's Palsy to help relieve the pressure on the nerve. It is still controversial and is seldom recommended by doctors.
With mild cases, they do not require treatment as the symptoms usually subside on their own within 2 weeks.
For other, more sever cases, treatment may include combining acyclovir, a viral infection medication, and prednisone, an inflammatory medication.
Decompression surgery may be an option for Bell's Palsy to help relieve the pressure on the nerve. It is still controversial and is seldom recommended by doctors.
Bell's Palsy Products
Prognosis of Bell's Palsy
The prognosis for Bell's palsy is generally pretty good, but it depend on the true extent of nerve damage to determine the extent of the recovery.
With or without treatment, most people begin to get better within 2 weeks and recover completely within 3 to 6 months.
With or without treatment, most people begin to get better within 2 weeks and recover completely within 3 to 6 months.
Bell's Palsy Info
Famous People with Bell's Palsy
- Stevie Benton- Bassist for Texas rock band, Drowning Pool.
- Pierce Brosnan- Irish actor and producer
- Jean Chrétien- former prime minister of Canada
- George Clooney- American actor, director, producer and screenwriter
- Alexis Denisof- American actor.
- Graeme Garden- British comedy writer and performer, who has written about his experiences with the condition.
- Tony Gonzalez- American NFL football player.
- Amy Goodman- American journalist and author.
- Katie Holmes- American Actress and star of "First Daughter."
- Ralph Kiner- American baseball player in the 1940s and 1950s
- Curtis LeMay- General in the United States Air Force and the vice presidential running mate of independent candidate George C. Wallace in 1968
- Danny Louis- musician and member of Gov't Mule.
- Ralph Nader- American author, activist, politician.
- Jim Ross- professional wrestling announcer for WWE.
- Rick Savage- British musician and bassist for Def Leppard
- Jamey Sheridan- American actor. His condition was written into the show Law and Order: Criminal Intent and his character Captain James Deakins also had Bell's palsy.
- Joseph C. Wilson- American diplomat.
New Guestbook
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Jan 5, 2010 @ 12:59 pm | delete
- Good information keep up the good work, its always a pleasure to get info that can be used, information is hard to come by at the best of times. Here's some free information for your viewers
cold sores remedies
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Jaquilyn P. Anicete
Sep 5, 2008 @ 8:23 am | delete
- i look your website coz i suffer chicken pox after 10th days i notice that i have muscle weakness of my left face. On 13th day i cant move my left face but chicken pox was cured already. Pls. help to find out what happen to me thanks this is my email add. jaquilyn_anicete@yahoo.com
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samantha
Mar 24, 2008 @ 4:05 pm | delete
- i have had bells palsy 5 times in the past now i'm 29 and i have it again please help my doctor just tells me to massage the side but it is bruising my cheek please help me
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