Bell's palsy

 

Bell's palsy, also known as idiopathic facial palsy, is a form of temporary facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. It results from dysfunction of cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) which directs the muscles on one side of the face.

The exact cause is unknown. It's believed to be the result of swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of your face. Or it might be a reaction that occurs after a viral infection.
Generally, Bell's palsy affects only one side of the face; however, in rare cases, it can affect both sides. Symptoms appear suddenly over a 48 - 72 hour period and generally start to improve with or without treatment after a few weeks, with recovery of some or all facial function within six months. In some cases, residual muscle weakness lasts longer or may be permanent.
the condition is more common among people between ages 16 and 60.
Bell’s palsy is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who was the first to describe the condition.

Sign & Symptoms-

•Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of your face — occurring within hours to days.

•Facial droop and difficulty making facial expressions, such as closing your eye or smiling.

•Drooling.

•Pain around the jaw or in or behind your ear on the affected side.

•Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.

•Headache.

•difficulty eating and drinking.

•loss of taste.

•Changes in the amount of tears and saliva you produce.

•muscle twitches in the face.

Causes-

The cause of Bell's palsy is unknown.
Most scientists believe that reactivation of an existing (dormant) viral infection may cause the disorder. Impaired immunity from stress, physical trauma, minor illness or autoimmune syndromes are suggested as the most likely triggers.

Several other conditions can also cause facial paralysis-

•brain tumor.

•stroke.

•myasthenia gravis.

The viruses/bacteria 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, which causes chickenpox and shingles.

•Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.

•Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks.

Risk factors-

•pregnancy.

•diabetes.

•have a lung infection.

•family history.

Diagnosis-

You should never self-diagnose Bell’s palsy. The symptoms can be similar to those of other serious conditions, such as a stroke or brain tumor.

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