Bell’s palsy is defined as dysfunction of cranial nerve VII (FACIAL NERVE) that results in the inability to control facial muscles on the affected side.
Damage cause weakness and paralysis of these muscles. It is unilateral.
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Table of Contents
How do you get bell's palsy?
Bell’s paralysis involves weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. One day often, the symptoms appear first thing. For example, a person wakes up and finds that one side of his face is not moving.
The person feels that they suddenly cannot control their facial muscles, usually to one side. Grab the affected side of the face. Dizziness can also affect the composition of saliva and tears and the feeling of taste.
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Symptoms of bell’s palsy
Some of the usual signs and symptoms of sudden onset of Bell’s paralysis include:
- Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face.
- Occurring within hours to days.
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- An inability to make facial expressions, such as smiling.
- Facial weakness
- Muscle cramps in the face.
- Dry eye and mouth
- Headache
- Sensitivity to sound
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Diagnosis of bell’s palsy
Your doctor will also perform various tests to diagnose Bell’s paralysis. This test will test the blood to identify bacterial or viral infections.
- Electromyography (EMG)
- CT SCAN
- MRI
How to prevent bell's palsy?
Facial Exercises: As facial nerves begin to recover, tightening and easing facial muscles can help encourage them.
Dental care: If there is small or no sensation in the mouth, food can lead to gum disease. Brushing and flossing can help counter this.
Problems with eating: If there are problems with swallowing, one should chew the food well and eat slowly. Choice of soft foods, such as yogurt.
OTC pain relief: to reduce any distress. Any painkillers, including ibuprofen and Advil, can be purchased online.
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Treatment
Most people with Bell’s palsy recover fully.
Medications
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can reduce the facial nerve’s swelling.
- Corticosteroids may work best if they’re started within several days of when symptoms began.
- Antiviral drugs. The role of antivirals remains unsettled. But it can be useful if the patient has a viral infection.
- Analgesics are given to control pain
Other Measures
- Moist heat massage to face on the affected side.
- Eye drops or ointment for protecting the eye. •
- Physical therapy
- Eye drops or ointment for protecting the eye. •
- Physical therapy
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Conclusion
Bell’s palsy is usually cleared. Recovery time may vary depending on the sharpness of nerve harm. Usually, however, people may notice a change within two weeks after the initial onset of symptoms.
Most maximum people recover completely in three to six months, but it may be more beneficial for those with more severe cases of Bell’s paralysis. In some cases, the symptoms may return or last forever.
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