Bell’s Palsy: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a facial nerve disorder that results in temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. Its cause is unknown, but some suspect it may be due to a viral infection that affects the nerves that control facial expression. Bell’s palsy can cause one side of your face to droop and may make it difficult to close your eye, smile, or show other facial expressions.

Signs and Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy:

The most common signs and symptoms of Bell’s Palsy include:

• Facial weakness or paralysis – This may be on one or both sides of the face and may range from mild to severe.
• Facial asymmetry – One side of the face may have diminished movement or be drooped down.
• Eye problems – Eye blinking, closing, or dryness may be affected, and there may be excessive tearing.
• Flat expression – A person’s facial features may appear flat or expressionless.
• Decreased ability to taste – This usually occurs on the affected side of the face.
• Pain near the ear – Many people with Bell’s palsy experience pain behind or near the ear on the affected side of the face.

Diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy:

A doctor can diagnose Bell’s palsy by examining your face and asking about your symptoms. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, imaging tests may be used to rule out other conditions. Tests may include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan – An MRI is a test that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the brain.
• Electromyogram (EMG) – This test measures the electrical activity in your facial muscles. It can help determine the extent of weakness or paralysis in the affected area.
• Nerve Conduction Studies – This test measures the speed at which electrical signals travel through your facial nerve.

Treatment of Bell’s Palsy:

Treatment for Bell’s palsy may include:

• Medication – Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or antiviral drugs to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
• Physical therapy – Exercises to help strengthen facial muscles and improve coordination may be recommended.
• Facial exercises – Your doctor may suggest doing facial exercises to help prevent the facial muscles from becoming permanently weakened.
• Eye care – For individuals with Bell’s palsy, eye protection may be recommended to prevent injury to the vulnerable eye.
• Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be recommended to restore facial symmetry and function.

Health Benefits of Bell’s Palsy:

Although Bell’s palsy is a serious condition that can cause significant facial weakness or paralysis, recovery is often possible with proper treatment. Some of the health benefits of successfully managing Bell’s palsy include:

• Improved facial symmetry – With successful treatment, facial symmetry can be restored.
• Reduced pain – With treatment, pain associated with Bell’s palsy can be reduced.
• Better eye care – With treatment, there is less risk of injury to the vulnerable eye.
• Better facial expression – With the right therapies, facial expression can improve over time.
• Better quality of life – Recovery from Bell’s palsy can bring overall improvements in a person’s quality of life.