Bells Palsy

Bell's palsy is a temporary form of facial paralysis that results from damage to the nerve that controls movement of the facial muscles. It affects about 2 in 10,000 people. The cause of Bell's is often not clear, although herpes infections may be involved. The condition is thought to be linked to inflammation of the nerve in the area where it travels through the bones of the skull. Other conditions, such as sarcoidosis, diabetes, and Lyme disease, are associated with Bell's palsy.

Symptoms usually start suddenly, and range from mild to severe. They may include: the face pulled to one side, twitching or weakness in the face, droopy eyelid or corner of mouth, grimacing, dry eye or mouth, loss of sense of taste, difficulty with eating and drinking, pain behind or in front of the ear, headache and sensitivity to sound on the side of the face affected. Blood tests for sarcoidosis or Lyme disease may be considered. If there is no improvement in the facial paralysis after several weeks, an MRI is done to rule out other causes. An EMG and nerve conduction studies may also be done to determine the severity of nerve damage. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Corticosteroids or antiviral medications may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve. These drugs must be given early to be most effective. Approximately 60 - 80% of cases go away completely within a few weeks to months. Some cases result in permanent changes. The disorder is not life threatening.

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