*Bell’s Palsy*

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It occurs due to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve), which controls facial expressions.

🧠 What Is Bell’s Palsy?

  • Bell’s palsy results in sudden drooping or stiffness on one side of the face.

  • It often develops overnight and can make it hard to smile, close the eye, or raise the eyebrow on the affected side.

  • Most people begin to recover within 2–3 weeks, and full recovery usually happens in 3–6 months.

🔍 Symptoms:

  • Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face

  • Drooping mouth or eyelid

  • Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side

  • Loss of taste (partial)

  • Increased tearing or drooling

  • Pain around the jaw or behind the ear

  • Heightened sensitivity to sound in one ear

🧬 Causes:

  • Often linked to viral infections, such as:

    • Herpes simplex virus (cold sores)

    • Influenza

    • Epstein-Barr virus

  • Cold exposure (cold wind or air conditioning) may trigger it

  • Autoimmune inflammation may also play a role

🔹 Note: Bell’s palsy is not the same as a stroke, but the symptoms can appear similar. Immediate medical attention is recommended to rule out serious causes.

🧪 Diagnosis:

  • Based on clinical signs and symptoms

  • Neurological exam

  • Sometimes MRI or CT scan to rule out stroke or tumors

💊 Treatment:

1. Medications:

  • Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone): reduce inflammation

  • Antiviral drugs (sometimes used in combination)

  • Pain relievers: for facial pain or discomfort

2. Physical therapy:

  • Gentle facial exercises (raising eyebrows, smiling, blinking)

  • Massaging the affected side of the face

3. Eye protection:

  • Use artificial tears or eye patch if you can’t close your eye properly

  • Eye ointment at night to prevent dryness

✅ Recovery:

  • Most people recover completely within 3 to 6 months

  • A small percentage may experience residual facial weakness or twitching (ऐंठन)

  • Early treatment (especially with steroids) increases the chance of full recovery



                                                                                              Dr. SAIFAN ALAM


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