Bell palsy is a temporary facial paralysis caused by damage to the facial nerves or trauma. 7. The facial nerve, also called the cranial nerve, travels through a narrow, bony canal (Fallopian canal) in the skull to the muscles on both sides of the face under the ear, and the nerve remains in this bony shell. The facial nerve directs and controls the muscles on one side of each face, including facial nerve, blink, eye opening and closing, facial expressions such as laughter, facial expressions and frowning. The lacrimal or tear glands, salivary glands and the muscles of a small bone in the middle of the ear called nerve stapes and also conveys the sense of taste from the tongue. When Bell palsy occurs, the facial nerve is disrupted and the brain signals to the facial muscles interrupt.



This condition was first called Sir Charles Bell, a 19th-century Scottish surgeon who explained facial nerves and their connection to the condition. Non-stroke disorder is the most common cause of facial paralysis. In general, Bell’s paralysis affects only one paired facial nerve and one side of the face, but in rare cases it can affect both sides.

Bell Palsy Symptoms

Because the facial nerve has too much function and is very complex, damage to the nerve or a deterioration of its function can cause many problems. The symptoms of Bell palsy vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms may include twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one or rarely both sides of the face. Other symptoms may include sagging on the eyelid and mouth, falling down, dry eye or mouth, deterioration of taste, and excessive tearing in one eye. Most of the time, these symptoms begin suddenly and reach a peak within 48 hours, causing severe facial deformities. Other symptoms include pain, discomfort, tinnitus in one or two ears, headache, loss of taste, hypersensitivity to the sound on the affected side, speech impairment, dizziness, around the chin and behind.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

Bell palsy occurs when nerves that control facial muscles result in swelling, inflammation, constriction, facial muscle weakening or paralysis. However, the cause of this damage is not fully known. Most scientists believe that a viral infection, such as viral meningitis or common cold virus, herpes simplex, causes the disease. They believe that the facial nerve becomes swollen and inflamed in response to infection that causes pressure in the Fallopian canal and causes ischemia (limitation of blood and oxygen in nerve cells). In some mild cases and where recovery is rapid, there is only damage to the myelin membrane of the nerve. The myelin membrane forms the fat covering that acts as an insulator in the nerve fibers in the brain. Also this disease is influenza or a flu-like illness, headache, chronic middle ear infection,

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Who is affected by the Bell Pasis?

About 40,000 people are affected each year by the Bell pass. It affects men and women equally, can occur at any age, but is less common before the age of 15 or after the age of 60. It is more common in people with upper respiratory illness, such as severe diabetes, influenza or colds.

How is Bell Pasisi Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Bell Pasisi is made by excluding the appearance of a broken face and the inability to move the muscles on the affected side of the face and by ruling out other causes of facial paralysis. There is no specific laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis of the disease. In general, the doctor examines the person for upper and lower face weakness. In most cases, this weakness is limited to one side of the face or is occasionally isolated from the forehead, eyelid or mouth. A test called electromyography (EMG) can confirm the presence of nerve damage and determine the severity and degree of nerve involvement. Blood tests can sometimes help diagnose other concurrent problems such as diabetes and certain infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning may eliminate other causes of structural pressure on the facial nerve.

How is Bell Pasisi treated?

Bell paralysis affects each individual in different ways. Some cases are mild and do not require treatment because symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 2 weeks. In the treatment of other cases, it may include medications and other therapeutic options. If an obvious source of Bell paralysis is caused by infection, for example, directed therapy may be useful. Recent research on Bell pasisi has shown that steroids such as steroid prednisone are effective in treating Bell palsy to reduce inflammation and swelling. Other drugs, such as acyclovir, are used to combat viral herpes infections, which may have some benefits in shortening the course of the disease. Analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can alleviate pain. People taking prescription drugs due to possible drug interactions,

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Another important factor in treatment is eye protection. Bell pasisi can interrupt the eye’s natural blinking ability and expose the eye to irritation and dryness. It is therefore important to keep the eye moist and protect it from rash and injury, especially at night. Lubricating eye drops and eye ointments, such as artificial tears, eye ointments or gels, are also effective. Other treatments, such as physical therapy, facial massage or acupuncture, can potentially provide a minor improvement in facial nerve function and pain. In general, decompression surgery in Bell palsy is rarely recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve. In rare cases, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be required to reduce deformations and to correct some damage such as an eyelid or a distorted smile that will not close completely.

What is Prognosis?

Bell pasisi individuals are usually very good prognosis. Prognosis determines the extent of nerve damage and the degree of healing. Improvement is gradual and recovery times vary. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to recover within 2 weeks of the onset of symptoms, and patients return to normal function within 3 to 6 months. However, for some patients, symptoms may last longer, and in a few cases the symptoms may not disappear completely. Furthermore, in rare cases, the disease may recur on the same or opposite side of the face.

Bibliography:

ninds.nih.gov

mayoclinic.org

harvardhealthcontent.com