Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy

Weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles is known as Bell’s palsy. It may be caused due to temporary failure of facial nerve known as the 7th cranial nerve. This nerve helps in facial muscle movement, hearing, tasting and stimulating tears and salivary glands. Symptoms may go within 2 weeks or within a month. The causes of nerve malfunction are still unknown, it may be caused due to weak immune system or any other viral infection. The disease is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell who was the first to accurately describe it.
 
Bell’s palsy may occur at any age and to anyone but more is common in pregnant women, diabetics, people with family history and people suffering from cold, flu, respiratory or lung problems. In Bell’s palsy the facial muscle gets compressed, inflamed or swollen.
 
Consult a physician immediately if you feel one side drooping or partial paralysis of the face, facial weakness and pain, muscle twitching, drooling, headache, dry eyes and mouth, impaired taste and inability to close one eye. Since most of symptoms resemble other serious illnesses like brain tumour or stroke, do not depend on the self-diagnoses.
 
Do’s
  • Do try to smile or do some facial exercise
  • Eat a well balance diet
  • Chew food slowly
  • Use supplements to increase immunity
  • Consult a physician immediately
Don’ts
  • Don’t leave your eyes open all the time, use pads to cover or eye patches
  • Avoid hard, solid foods for some time
  • Don’t depend on the self-diagnosis
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