May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Brain and Nervous System Bell's Palsy
Bell's Palsy |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: How to treat bell's palsy facial nerve disorder Dear Ubong: Bell's palsy is the sudden weakness of one side of the face. It is often temporary and is attributed to the inflammation of the facial nerve that controls the muscles on the weakened side of the face. Bell's palsy is often preceded by symptoms of a viral syndrome. Other commonly mentioned triggers include stress, trauma, fever, and tooth extractions. There is a strong correlation with the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lip. All episodes of facial weakness or paralysis should be immediately examined by a doctor to rule out the possibility of a stroke. If you have had a previous episode of Bell's palsy and have another similar episode, you should again be examined to rule out other more serious causes of the facial weakness. After examination by a doctor and with proper diagnosis, you can begin facial exercises and stimulation of the facial muscles. These activities might speed your recovery. Relieve minor pain with over-the-counter pain medication such as “Motrin”. Keep your droopy eyelid taped shut at night. Keep your eye moist with proper eyedrops to prevent drying of the surface of your eye. Electrostimulation of the muscles has been used for treatment, but its value is not proven. Steroids, such as prednisone, can reduce the duration of symptoms by decreasing the inflammation of the nerve. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 21 September 2010 ) |
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