Diagnosis
Bell's palsy is generally diagnosed after other illnesses such as stroke, Ramsey Hunt syndrome, and multiple sclerosis are ruled out. Bell's palsy is unique in that it only affects the face, and usually unilaterally (on one side.) Patients may also undergo bloodwork or other diagnostic tests to rule out other neurological illnesses. Bell's palsy can be diagnosed by a neurologist (a doctor who deals with the central nervous system) and/or an otolaryngologist (ears/nose/throat doctor.)
Treatment
Bell's palsy can be treated in a number of ways:
- rest
- slow return to movement of facial muscles (don't try to force facial movements)
- heat packs for pain
- Neurontin, a drug for neurological pain
- medication(s): an anti-viral drug (if the Bell's palsy is viral in nature) and/or Prednisone ( an anti-inflammatory steroid drug)*****These are considered to be effective if administered within the first 7 days of the Bell's palsy's onset.
****For more information about Bell's palsy, see Bell's Palsy, Bell's Palsy Symptoms, Bell's Palsy Causes, Bell's Palsy Lookalike?, and RH Syndrome:Diagnosis/Treatment.
For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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