How to Tell If You Have Bell's Palsy

What Is Bell's Palsy?

Bell's palsy is a condition in which one side of the face becomes paralyzed. Bell's palsy is named after Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century Scottish surgeon, who was the first to identify the condition. It is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis.

Symptoms appear suddenly- your mouth droops and you're unable to shut your eye. Patients fear that they may have suffered a stroke, but Bell's palsy is not related to stroke.

Each year about 40,000 Americans develop Bell's palsy. It can occur at any age, but occurs more often in people over 15 and under 60. For most people, symptoms will begin to improve in a few weeks. A small percentage of people never recover and continue to have symptoms for the rest of their life.

This article will explain the causes of Bell's palsy, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and traditional and complementary treatments.

What Causes Bell's Palsy?

A virus is the most common cause of Bell's palsy, although doctors believe it could be anything that irritates the facial nerve. Another cause is Lyme disease, especially in children and teens that live in heavily, wooded areas. Other things that may bring on Bell's palsy include:

• Injury to the head or face
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Stress
• Ear Infections
• A bad cold or flu
• The virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex

What Are the Symptoms of Bell's Palsy?

• Mild earache or pain behind the ear
• Difficulty in speaking
• Half of the face drooping
• Trouble closing one eye
• Hearing sounds louder in one ear
• Loss of taste at affected parts of the tongue
• Excess or reduced salivation

How Is Bell's Palsy Diagnosed?

During the first visit to the doctor, questions will be asked and additional tests like an MRI, blood tests, and a CAT scan will be ordered. These additional tests will help the doctor rule out any other causes of facial weakness and paralysis. If no underlying cause is found, a diagnosis of Bell's palsy will be made.

Traditional Treatment of Bell's Palsy