{"id":1373,"date":"2019-04-05T07:05:02","date_gmt":"2019-04-05T07:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/?p=1373"},"modified":"2021-10-09T05:26:03","modified_gmt":"2021-10-09T05:26:03","slug":"bells-palsy-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/?p=1373","title":{"rendered":"Bell&#8217;s Palsy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bell&#8217;s palsy is a condition in which the muscles on one side of your face become weak or paralyzed. It affects only one side of the face at a time, causing it to droop or become stiff on that side. It&#8217;s caused by some kind of trauma to the seventh cranial nerve<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Medications. Commonly used medications to treat Bell&#8217;s palsy include: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. If they can reduce the swelling of the facial nerve, it will fit more comfortably within the bony corridor that surrounds it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bell&#8217;s palsy usually resolves on its own within six months. Physiotherapy can help prevent muscles from permanently contracting<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bell\u2019s palsy is a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It can occur when the nerve that controls your facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The condition causes one side of your face to droop or become stiff. You may have difficulty smiling or closing your eye on the affected side. In most cases, Bell\u2019s palsy is temporary and symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although Bell\u2019s palsy can occur at any age, the condition is more common among people between ages 16 and 60. Bell\u2019s palsy is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who was the first to describe the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The symptoms of Bell\u2019s palsy can develop one to two weeks after you have a cold, ear infection, or eye infection. They usually appear abruptly, and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or when you try to eat or drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bell\u2019s palsy is marked by a droopy appearance on one side of the face and the inability to open or close your eye on the affected side. In rare cases, Bell\u2019s palsy may affect both sides of your face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other signs and symptoms of Bell\u2019s palsy include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">drooling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">difficulty eating and drinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an inability to make facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">facial weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">muscle twitches in the face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">dry eye and mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">sensitivity to sound<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">irritation of the eye on the involved side<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bell\u2019s palsy occurs when the seventh cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. The exact cause of this damage is unknown, but many medical researchers believe it\u2019s most likely triggered by a viral infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The viruses\/bacteria that have been linked to the development of Bell\u2019s palsy include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and genital herpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HIV, which damages the immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">sarcoidosis, which causes organ inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>How is Bell\u2019s palsy diagnosed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the weakness in your facial muscles. They\u2019ll also ask you questions about your symptoms, including when they occurred or when you first noticed them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your doctor can also use a variety of tests to make a Bell\u2019s palsy diagnosis. These tests may include blood tests to check for the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. Your doctor might also use an MRI or CT scan to check the nerves in your face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>How is Bell\u2019s palsy treated?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In most cases, Bell\u2019s palsy symptoms improve without treatment. However, it can take several weeks or months for the muscles in your face to regain their normal strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following treatments may help in your recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Medication<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">corticosteroid drugs, which reduce inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">antiviral or antibacterial medication, which may be prescribed if a virus or bacteria caused your Bell\u2019s palsy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help relieve mild pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">eye drops<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Home treatment<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an eye patch (for your dry eye)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a warm, moist towel over your face to relieve pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">facial massage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">physical therapy exercises to stimulate your facial muscles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alternative medicine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although there&#8217;s little scientific evidence to support the use of alternative medicine for people with Bell&#8217;s palsy, some people with the condition may benefit from the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Acupuncture.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Placing thin needles into a specific point in your skin helps stimulate nerves and muscles, which may offer some relief.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biofeedback training.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> By teaching you to use your thoughts to control your body, you may help gain better control over your facial muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What are the potential complications of Bell\u2019s palsy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most people who have an episode of Bell\u2019s palsy will completely recover without complications. However, complications may occur in more severe cases of Bell\u2019s palsy. These include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have damage to the seventh cranial nerve. This nerve controls your facial muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have excessive dryness in the eye, which can lead to eye infections, ulcers, or even blindness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have synkinesis, which is a condition in which moving one body part causes another to move involuntarily. For example, your eye may close when you smile.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What are the potential complications of Bell\u2019s palsy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most people who have an episode of Bell\u2019s palsy will completely recover without complications. However, complications may occur in more severe cases of Bell\u2019s palsy. These include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have damage to the seventh cranial nerve. This nerve controls your facial muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have excessive dryness in the eye, which can lead to eye infections, ulcers, or even blindness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may have synkinesis, which is a condition in which moving one body part causes another to move involuntarily. For example, your eye may close when you smile.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<h3><b>Physical therapy<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paralyzed muscles can shrink and shorten, causing permanent contractures. A physical therapist can teach you how to massage and exercise your facial muscles to help prevent this from occurring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<h3><b>Surgery<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the past, decompression surgery was used to relieve the pressure on the facial nerve by opening the bony passage that the nerve passes through. Today, decompression surgery isn&#8217;t recommended. Facial nerve injury and permanent hearing loss are possible risks associated with this surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What is the long-term outlook for people with Bell\u2019s palsy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The outlook for people with Bell\u2019s palsy is usually good. 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. Most will completely recover within three to six months, but it may be longer for people with more severe cases of Bell\u2019s palsy. In rare cases, symptoms may continue to return or may be permanent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1365\" src=\"http:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Balls-Palsy-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Balls-Palsy-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Balls-Palsy-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Balls-Palsy-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Balls-Palsy.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1366\" src=\"http:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BellsPalsy_SM-300x241.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BellsPalsy_SM-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BellsPalsy_SM.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bell&#8217;s palsy is a condition in which the muscles on one side of your face become weak or paralyzed. It affects only one side of the face at a time, causing it to droop or become stiff on that side. It&#8217;s caused by some kind of trauma to the seventh cranial nerve Medications. Commonly used [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":79,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ayan-ratnani","category-extended-essay"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/79"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1373"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9304,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1373\/revisions\/9304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/classof2022.fountainheadschools.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}