Bell’s Palsy: Complications, Diagnosis and Treatment

The human body is able to withstand various loads. But there are times when even the most resilient organisms can fail. In general, we know the causes of various diseases of the human body. But there are those that can complicate the identification of the causes of the onset of the disease. One such condition is Bell’s palsy.

People associate this disease with paralysis in the face. This leads to the fact that a person cannot control one side of a face and cannot fully function. This becomes a problem both for everyday life and for social life. A person with this disease cannot smile normally, eat and communicate.

Fortunately, there are some measures that help either prevent the onset of the disease or improve the patient’s condition. In our article we will talk about the methods of diagnosing the disease. We will also tell you about the complications and treatment with natural remedies for Bell’s palsy.

Bell’s Palsy Diagnosis

It is a condition that causes sudden and temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles. It’s usually on one side of the face. This can lead to a range of symptoms. It includes:

• Drooping of the face.
• Difficulty closing one eye.
• Difficulty smiling or frowning.

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is not fully understood. It is typically related to inflammation of the facial nerve.

The diagnosis begins with a physical examination. After this, an assessment of the patient’s symptoms is usually taken. The doctor will examine the patient’s face for signs of weakness or paralysis. And they may also test the patient’s ability to close their eye and smile or frown. Additionally, the doctor may order an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan. It’s to rule out other potential causes of facial weakness, such as a stroke.

To confirm a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, a doctor may also perform many other tests. It can be a nerve conduction study or an electromyography (EMG) test. These tests can help to determine the extent of nerve damage. And they help to rule out other potential causes of facial weakness, such as a brain tumor or many sclerosis.

After a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, treatment can begin. Treatment options may include a range of different medications. They are corticosteroids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve muscle function. Additionally, doctors can recommend physical therapy to help improve muscle strength and coordination.

Complications of Bell’s Palsy

Complications of Bell’s palsy can vary. They depend on the severity of the condition and how quickly treatment is started. Some of the potential complications include:

• Synkinesis. This is a condition in which the muscles on the affected side of the face become uncoordinated. It leads to abnormal movements such as eyelid closure or smiling.
• Facial asymmetry. Permanent muscle weakness or facial asymmetry are also complications of Bell’s palsy. It can be cosmetically unappealing.
• Eye complications. Bell’s palsy can lead to drooping of the eyelid. It can cause dry eye, irritation or even corneal damage if not treated promptly.
• Hearing problems. Bell’s palsy can affect the acoustic nerve which controls hearing. This can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Depression and anxiety. Bell’s palsy can cause emotional distress, self-esteem issues, and even depression and anxiety.
• Chronic pain. Some individuals with Bell’s palsy may experience chronic pain in the face, jaw, or neck.

It’s vital to note that complications may vary, and not every patient will experience them. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment of Bell’s Palsy

Treatment of facial palsy typically aims to:

• Reduce inflammation.
• Improve muscle function.
• Prevent complications.

The treatment options include:

• Medications. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. They also improve muscle function. They are typically given in high doses for the first few days. And then tapered off over the course of several weeks. In some cases, doctors can prescribe antiviral medication like acyclovir.
• Physical therapy. Physical Bell’s palsy therapy can be helpful in improving muscle strength and coordination. This may include exercises to improve facial muscle function. Also, massages to help improve blood flow to the affected area are great.
• Eyecare. Bell’s palsy can cause drooping of the eyelid. It causes dry eye, irritation, or even corneal damage if not treated promptly. Eye care may include lubricating eye drops or taping the eyelid shut at night. Some treatments include even surgery to correct drooping eyelids.
• Surgery. In severe cases, patients need surgery to correct the problem. These cases can be significant muscle weakness or facial asymmetry.
• Supportive care. Bell’s palsy can cause emotional distress, self-esteem issues and even depression and anxiety. Supportive care can include counseling and support groups.
• Natural remedies for Bell’s palsy. Most often, people use various nutritional supplements as natural remedies. It can be vitamins C and zinc. But you should take these products in mix with other treatments for the disease.

It’s vital to note that the treatment options vary. It depends on the individual case and the stage of the disease. And the healthcare professional will recommend the best treatment plan for each individual.

Bell’s Palsy Prognosis

The prognosis for Bell’s palsy varies. It depends on the severity of the condition and how quickly treatment is started. In general, most people with Bell’s palsy experience a full recovery within 3 to 6 months. But there are some cases where the weakness or paralysis may be permanent.

Approximately 70-80% of people with Bell’s palsy recover completely without any long-term sequelae. Around 15-20% of people will have permanent facial weakness or asymmetry that can be:

• Mild.
• Moderate.

And around 5-10% will have a severe permanent facial weakness. Recovery is usually more rapid and complete in patients who receive early treatment.

Factors that can impact Bell’s palsy prognosis include:

• Age. Bell’s palsy is more common in people aged 15 to 60.

• Time of onset. The quicker the treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery.

• Severity of symptoms. The more severe the symptoms, the more likely the chance of permanent facial problems.

• Pregnancy. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing Bell’s palsy. And if it develops during pregnancy, the chances of severe symptoms and poor recovery are increased.

It’s important to note that everyone is unique, and the prognosis can vary from person to person.

When You Need to See a Doctor

Seeing a doctor can be done in general with any changes in your health. But this is especially true when you experience symptoms like Bell’s palsy. If you experience tingling or numbness in your face, you should contact your healthcare professional immediately. They will be able to exclude the occurrence of a stroke or other diseases with the same symptoms.

Here are some tips for preparing before visiting a doctor:

• Mark in your notepad or phone all the symptoms you have.
• Save the history of your diseases. This can help your doctor make a correct diagnosis and prescribe timely Bell’s palsy therapy.
• Write down a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

It is best to do this all in advance, while at home. This will help you organize your thoughts and deal with the anxiety you may feel at the doctor’s visit.

Bottom Line 

As a result, it becomes clear that this facial paralysis is a complex disease. But fortunately, in almost all cases, the disease resolves itself without extra treatment. But some exercises and practices can help the patient improve the condition. In any case, it is very important to check your symptoms and the risks of getting a complication. That is why it is very important to follow proper nutrition and follow a healthy lifestyle. This approach can help you avoid unwanted complications.

FAQs 

• How to cure Bell palsy naturally?

There is no specific cure for Bell’s palsy. But some natural remedies may help to reduce symptoms and improve recovery. These include:

• Vitamin C supplements.
• Zinc supplements.
• Acupuncture.
• Massage and facial exercises.
• Yoga and meditation.

• Can Bell’s palsy come back?

It is possible for Bell’s palsy to recur, although this is relatively rare. The risk of recurrence may be higher in people who have a history of the condition. Or if there are certain risk factors, such as a viral infection or pregnancy.

• How do you confirm Bell’s palsy?

A diagnosis of Bell’s palsy is typically made based on:

• A physical examination.
• An assessment of the patient’s symptoms.

Other tests include an MRI or CT scan, nerve conduction study or electromyography (EMG).

• What are signs of Bell’s palsy recovery?

Signs of recovery from Bell’s palsy can include:

• Improvement in muscle strength and coordination.
• Ability to close the eye fully.
• Improvement in facial symmetry.
• Ability to smile or frown normally.
• Reduction in drooping of the face.