Fact Checked
Bell’s palsy is a type of facial paralysis due to inability in controlling the facial muscles on the affected area. An area in the face becomes weak causing it to droop or becoming stiff. This condition is due to a kind of trauma to the seventh cranial nerve called the “facial nerve.” Anybody can be affected by this condition but people suffering from diabetes or recovering from viral infections are more susceptible to this condition.
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy
- Drooling
- Quick onset of minor weakness to full paralysis on an area on the face which happens in just hours to days.
- Facial drooping and there is difficulty creating facial expressions such as smiling or closing the eye
Facial drooping and there is difficulty creating facial expressions such as smiling or closing the eye. - Headaches
- Reduced sense of taste
- Pain and numbess can be felt around the jaw or behind the ear of the affected side
- Sensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial muscles twitch
Causes
- Damage of the facial nerve which result to swelling
- Viral infections such as herpes simple 1 virus that causes cold sores
Treatment
- Wear the prescribed protective glasses during day time and an eye patch at night.
- Use the prescribed hydrating drops for the eyes to prevent long-term injury to the eyes.
- Apply moist heat in the form of a warm cloth to the affected area to lessen the pain and the discomforts. It also relieve of the tension and for good restful sleeping. Another alternative is adding essential oils to lessen the anxiety such as rose, lavender or chamomile. Repeat applying the wam compress when there is pain and relax the muscles.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Seek the help of the physical therapist for some massage techniques for the face to lessen the pain and the discomforts. Massage therapy lessens the inflammation, the stress, relief from anxiety and for proper functioning of the immune system.
- Perform meditation and relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing exercises to lessen tension in the muscles and lessen the pain.
- Apply castor oil compress on the affected area. Warm 1 tablespoon of castor oil and massage into the face. Cover the area using a warm damp washcloth and leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes, two times every day until symptoms is reduced. Castor oil increases blood circulation, prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria and fungi. It also supports proper lymphatic function.
- Perform simple Bell’s palsy exercises with the help of the physical therapist such as smiling widely, wrinking of the nose, opening of the mouth, frowning, blinking and winking of the eyes and raising the eyebrows for fast healing of the condition.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/bells-palsy
https://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-bells-palsy-basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370028