Bell's Palsy

What is Bell’s Palsy?

It is characterized by a weakness or paralysis in half of a person’s face because the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression on that side, is affected in some way. Researchers have named viruses, fungi, cold, stroke, stress and trauma as involved in causing Bell’s Palsy. In a majority of the cases, no particular cause can be pinpointed.

How is Bell’s Palsy diagnosed?

The symptoms have an acute onset, beginning with pain around the ear on the affected side. The muscles on that side become paralyzed or immobilized. There may be a slight swelling on the affected side. The patient is unable to close the eye on the affected side; it is deflected in an upward direction. This is called the Bell’s sign .When asked to smile, the mouth is pulled towards the normal side. The patient may have difficulty in eating especially while managing the food bolus. The food lodges in the side of the mouth. Some patients complain of an altered taste sensation. This ailment can strike irrespective of age or sex.

How is Bell’s Palsy treated?

Time is the best healer. A great majority of the patients slowly improve, over a period of time ranging from a couple of months to a year. The management of Bell’s Palsy within the first few days is best left to the medical specialist. The doctor may ask for some blood tests and scans. He may prescribe corticosteroids or certain antiviral drugs. The patient may be advised to wear eye protecting goggles. He also needs to maintain good oral hygiene for a speedy recovery.

Why is Bell’s Palsy so named?

Dr. Charles Bell was the doctor, who first described this facial palsy in the nineteenth century. He along with his elder brother, also a doctor, published books on Anatomy and also on Nerves. Both were excellent artists and made models to demonstrate and teach Anatomy. The books which they published then are considered classics even today.