Bell’s palsy: symptoms, causes and treatment

This alteration, produced by a problem in the facial nerve, usually disappears in a few months.

We are walking down the street one day and suddenly we notice that we cannot close our eye. We try to speak and we realize that we cannot move half of our mouth or we notice that it is extremely weak. We drool or food or drink falls out of our mouth, as if we were leaving the dentist's office anesthetized. We rush to the hospital and after several urgent examinations and scans we are told that we are not having a stroke but that we are **suffering from Bell's palsy**.

What is this? What are we dealing with? In this article we are going to talk about Bell's palsy.

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy, also known simply as frigid facial palsy, is the most common cause of Bell's palsy. or mononeuropathy of the VII cranial nerve is a neurological disorder in which part or all of the face suffers a paralysis or a decrease in muscle tone. This paralysis comes from a lesion or problem in the facial nerve or seventh cranial nerve, generally due to inflammation. This nerve allows the human being the mobility of the facial muscles, so that its alteration generates the difficulty or absence of voluntary movement.

It is a relatively common disorder.. The most common symptoms are the aforementioned paralysis (which usually occurs only in one half of the face), the inability to close one of the eyes, the deviation of the mouth to the side that retains the movement, drooling and difficulties in speaking and feeding. Tearing is also frequent.

Occasionally headaches, pain in the jaw may occur. or perceptual disturbances, such as hyperacusis or inability to detect taste in the affected hemifield. in the affected hemifield. These symptoms usually appear suddenly, although it may take two to three days for them to fully emerge and manifest themselves to their full effect.

Although at first glance it may not seem excessively limiting, it must be taken into account that it can cause considerable damage: difficulties in communicating can greatly affect interpersonal relationships or even at work. Likewise, these communication difficulties and others, such as difficulties in drinking or eating, can affect the self-esteem of the patient. can affect the patient's self-esteem and be a great source of frustration and stress.

Bell's palsy is a disorder that can occur at any time in the life cycle, although it is more common in adulthood and middle age (it is uncommon before the age of sixteen). This type of paralysis is usually temporary (although it can last for months).

Causes

As we have said, this paralysis is caused by inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve. However, the causes of this inflammation are unknown, being idiopathic (i.e. of unknown cause) in most cases. In fact, another name for this disorder is another name for this disorder is idiopathic facial palsy..

In some cases there seems to be some relationship to infection with viruses such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster or HIV. Some cases have also arisen from influenza vaccination. It may also arise from a craniocerebral injury or trauma that may damage the nerve.

Another element that could cause it is the suffering of some type of tumor that generates compression or directly affects the nerve.as well as a cerebrovascular accident. Finally, it is worth mentioning that it has been detected that being pregnant increases the risk of suffering from this type of paralysis, as well as suffering from disorders such as diabetes or respiratory conditions.

Treatment

Bell's palsy is in the great majority of the cases temporary (about 80%), with what to need of a concrete treatment for this alteration is not habitual. In those cases in which it is necessary because the paralysis persists, the possible reason for it should be explored, the reason for the malfunctioning of the seventh cranial nerve should be analyzed and a specific treatment for each case should be applied. For example, the use of Antibiotics or antivirals in case of bacterial or viral infection, or the treatment of a possible tumor.

It is common to apply steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation of the nerve and surrounding area. Bioelectrical muscle stimulation and physiotherapy can also facilitate nerve can also facilitate nerve excitation and function.

In cases where there are difficulties in closing the eyes, artificial tears are also applied to keep them clean and hydrated. Finally, there is the possibility there is the possibility of using decompression surgery, although it is not recommended.although it is not recommended and in many cases its real effectiveness is discussed.

Prognosis

The prognosis in most cases is positive: symptoms usually begin to gradually subside within the first few weeks in a process that can last several months. Recovery tends to be complete, although this will depend on its cause and the type of affectation it generates. In other cases weakness or small spasms may appearor alterations such as alterations of the sense of taste.

In any case, it is essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible if the face or part of it is paralyzed: it should be noted that a sudden facial paralysis can also be the result of a stroke that could have severe consequences or even lead to death. could have severe consequences or even lead to death..

Bibliographic references:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2016). Bell's palsy. [Published online]. Available at: https://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/paralisis_de_bell.htm
• Leon-Arcila, M.E.; Benzur-Alalus, D. and Alvarez-Jaramillo, J. (2013). Bell's palsy, report of a case. Spanish Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 35 (4). Barcelona.