Answer
Mar 03, 2019 - 08:31 AM
Bells Palsy is a short-term inability to move muscles in part of the face. This temporary condition usually occurs on the left or right side of the face. Rarely does it affect both sides of the face.
It can be a major cause for concern because many people believe that they are having a stroke when first experiencing the event due to the similar symptoms, but most people make a full recovery within two weeks or longer depending on the individual.
It is always best to seek the help of a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
The inability to move or control the facial muscles is a result of inflammation or compression of the nerve which controls facial movement. This nerve travels along the skull and under the ear to the side of the face (7th cranial nerve).
This nerve is responsible for facial movements that include blinking, closing the eyes, smiling and frowning.
Having had Bells Palsy myself, I only experienced facial weakness (paralysis) on the left side of my face for almost three weeks. This condition was believed to be linked to my high blood pressure, but it differs for everyone.
What are the causes of Bells Palsy?
The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be caused by an infection from a virus such as the Chickenpox (Herpes Zoster), Epstein-Barr, or mumps virus. High blood pressure, Diabetes and Lyme disease are also sometimes associated with this condition.
What increases the risk of Bells Palsy?
It can be a major cause for concern because many people believe that they are having a stroke when first experiencing the event due to the similar symptoms, but most people make a full recovery within two weeks or longer depending on the individual.
It is always best to seek the help of a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
The inability to move or control the facial muscles is a result of inflammation or compression of the nerve which controls facial movement. This nerve travels along the skull and under the ear to the side of the face (7th cranial nerve).
This nerve is responsible for facial movements that include blinking, closing the eyes, smiling and frowning.
Having had Bells Palsy myself, I only experienced facial weakness (paralysis) on the left side of my face for almost three weeks. This condition was believed to be linked to my high blood pressure, but it differs for everyone.
What are the causes of Bells Palsy?
The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be caused by an infection from a virus such as the Chickenpox (Herpes Zoster), Epstein-Barr, or mumps virus. High blood pressure, Diabetes and Lyme disease are also sometimes associated with this condition.
What increases the risk of Bells Palsy?
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Recent upper respiratory infection
- Weakened immune system
- Facial injuries such as fractures
- Family history of Bells Palsy
- Weakness of one side of the face
- Drooping eyelid
- Dropping corner of mouth
- Excessive tearing in one eye
- Difficulty closing the eyelid (paralysis)
- Dry eye
- Drooling
- Dry mouth
- Changes in taste
- Change in facial appearance
- Pain behind one ear
- Ringing in one or both ears
- Sensitivity to sound in one ear
- Involuntary facial twitching
- Headaches
- Impaired speech
- Dizziness
- Difficulty eating or drinking
What are the signs and symptoms?
Note: Collectively you will experience some of these conditions. It's rare that people experience all symptoms at once.
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