Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head. It occurs most often in pregnant women, and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory ailment.
Bell's palsy affects men and woman equally. It is less common before age 15 or after age Bell's palsy is not considered permanent, but in rare cases, it does not disappear. Currently, there is no known cure for Bell's palsy; however, recovery usually begins 2 weeks to 6 months from the onset of the symptoms. Most people with Bell's palsy recover full facial strength and expression. The cause of Bell's palsy is not known.
It is thought that it may be due to inflammation that is directed by the body's immune system against the nerve controlling movement of the face. Bell's palsy is sometimes associated with the following:. The symptoms of Bell's palsy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
However, your healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and to determine the extent of nerve involvement or damage. These tests may include:. A stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. Treatment is most successful when it begins within 72 hours, Dr. Mays says. Most people will not need treatment beyond medication. Some people use additional treatments to help their recovery, but Dr. They include:.
The symptoms can be similar to those of other serious conditions, such as a stroke or brain tumor. Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the weakness in your facial muscles. These tests may include blood tests to check for the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. However, it can take several weeks or months for the muscles in your face to regain their normal strength.
These include the following:. Recovery time may vary depending on the severity of nerve damage. In general, however, people can see an improvement within two weeks after the initial onset of symptoms. In rare cases, symptoms may continue to return or may be permanent. The facial nerve has a number of functions, with both sensory and motor components.
It supplies the muscles of facial expression and the muscles used to close the eyes. It innervates the lacrimal, submandibular, and sublingual glands, as well as the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, and the hard and soft palates. It is responsible for taste from part of the tongue and the hard and soft palates.
The facial nerve is also responsible for general sensation from the skin of the ear. Statistics show little discrepancy between incidence in males and females and in different races. Research suggests that those aged between 15 and 45 years, however, have an increased risk of developing the condition, as do pregnant women. It has not yet been established why the inner ear becomes inflamed but links have been made with viral infections including herpes simplex and varicella zoster , as well as a weak immune system and stress.
A doctor will examine the patient and ask him or her to perform a range of facial movements, such as closing the eyes, puckering the lips, raising the eyebrows and smiling.
To eliminate other possible causes of facial palsy, the doctor may also request that the patient is tested for Lyme disease, diabetes, sarcoidosis and HIV. In addition, imaging eg, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography may be required to rule out potential causes such as tumours.
Finally, a doctor may refer the patient to an ear, nose and throat specialist and arrange for electromyography to detect the location and extent of the nerve damage. In order for the patient to recover, the pressure on the nerve must be reduced. Research suggests that this can be achieved using a steroid or a steroid plus an antiviral.
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