Bell's Palsy
Information on this Neurological Illness that Strikes the Face
Neurological Illness can be strange and sometimes frightening. Learn more about Bell's palsy, a temporary condition that weakens or paralyzes one side of the face.
What is Bell's Palsy?
Bell's palsy, named after Dr. Charles Bell, occurs when a person's facial muscles weaken or become paralyzed. Although not a permanent condition, it is associated with a temporarily afflicted 7th cranial nerve. This neurological illness can affect approximately 1 out of every 5,000 people. Bell's palsy equally affects men and women, and there is no racial preference. Right or left sides of the face are also equally affected. People at higher risk for developing Bell's palsy include diabetics, women in their 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, and people with compromised immune systems (HIV.)
Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy can manifest quite quickly. Many people wake up with a full-blown case, including paralysis of one side of the face. Others experience slowly worsening symptoms, including tingling in the face, neck pain, or ear pain. Bi-lateral Bell's palsy (affecting both sides of the face) is very rare. Bell's palsy also does not affect other body parts, so weakness/paralysis elsewhere in the body needs to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.
Treatment/Prognosis for Bell's Palsy
People who suffer from Bell's palsy generally have good recoveries. The majority completely recover within a year. The rate of recovery depends on the amount of damage to the 7th cranial nerve. Nerve regeneration is the treatment for Bell's palsy. The average recovery time is a few weeks to a few months. Although the potential for recovery is good, the likelihood for recurrence is as high as 10-20%. For more information, see www.bellspalsy.ws.
****For more information on Bell's palsy, check out Bell's Palsy Symptoms , Bell's Palsy Causes, Bell's Palsy Diagnosis/Treatment, Bell's Palsy Lookalike?, and RH Syndrome:Diagnosis/Treatment.
For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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