Bell S Palsy

Description

Introduction

Bell’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’s caused by some kind of trauma to the seventh cranial nerve. This is also called the “facial nerve.” Bell’s palsy can happen to anyone.

Causes

Bell's 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’s most likely triggered by a viral infection.

The viruses that have been linked to the development of Bell’s palsy include:

Herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and genital herpes

HIV, which damages the immune system

Sarcoidosis, which causes organ inflammation

herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles

Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis

Symptoms:

The symptoms of Bell’s 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.

Bell’s 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’s palsy may affect both sides of your face.

Other signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:

Drooling

difficulty eating and drinking

an inability to make facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning

facial weakness

muscle twitches in the face

dry eye and mouth

a headache

Sensitivity to sound.