What is Bell’s Palsy?
Popularly known as Facial Palsy, Bell’s Palsy is a condition, where the muscle control on one side of the face is affected, weakened or lost temporarily. Most people improve within a few weeks. In some cases, it can last longer. People with previous history of diabetes or those who have had a recent viral infection, or pregnant women are more prone to it. As one side of the face muscles become weak, half of the face will appear to droop. The eye on the affected side may not close properly. There may be difficulty in making facial expressions. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s linked to inflammation with the facial nerve, which controls the muscles used for movements like raising eyebrows, smiling, blinking, frowning and flaring nostrils. The facial nerve also helps with taste sensation and plays a role in stabilizing the bones in your middle ear. This is why some of the symptoms of bell’s Palsy may be related to eating, drinking, or tasting.
A Scottish surgeon Charles Bell first described the connection of the facial nerve with the condition; hence it is known as “Bell’s Palsy”.
The symptoms can vary however there are certain mild symptoms. These include drooping of the eyebrow, eyelid, drooling, or a dry mouth. In more serious cases, one side of the face might be completely paralyzed. Sometimes people may find it difficult to tolerate noise. Pain around the ear is common too.
Most people recover completely, with noticeable improvement in a few weeks and complete recovery in about six months.
What Causes Bell’s Palsy?
The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy isn’t very clear. However, it often happens due to inflammation in the facial nerve. A few potential viruses and causes leading to this condition are:
- Stress or physical trauma
- Insomnia
- Cold sores and genital herpes (also known as herpes simplex).
- Chickenpox and shingles.
- Infection mononucleosis (caused by the Epstein-Barr virus)
- Respiratory illnesses due to the adenoviruses
- Rubella or German measles
- Mumps caused by the mumps virus
- Influenza B or flu
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
Bell’s Palsy is the most common cause of one-sided facial paralysis, affecting about 1 to 4 in 10,000 people every year. About 1.5% of people will experience it at some point in their life.
In 4-14% of cases there is a familial history, and there have been reports of it occurring after COVID-19 vaccinations, but there isn’t yet enough evidence to confirm a link.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Bell’s Palsy is usually diagnosed by clinical examination – looking at your symptoms. Your doctor may arrange certain tests to rule out other conditions, such as a stroke or infection. It is very important to rule out a stroke which can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment is mainly about managing symptoms and improving facial movements. If a specific cause is identified, e.g. viral infection, then that would be treated. Corticosteroid medications are the most effective, especially if taken within 3 days of noticing symptoms, as they reduce inflammation of the nerve. Other treatments include eye care – use of eye drops during the day and may be an ointment to use at bedtime to prevent drying of the eye, physiotherapy and pain management. Vit B12, B6 and zinc may help. The condition may impact emotional health and can be quite stressful. It is important to rest in the early stage to maximize your body’s self-healing capacity.
Physiotherapy for Bell’s Palsy
Physiotherapy is important because it helps prevent the muscles from getting weak and promotes facial symmetry. Our Physiotherapy center in Harrow offer Physiotherapy that can also help reduce unwanted facial movements, muscle tension, and stiffness. Most importantly, it helps to bring back emotional expression.
At The Sherwood Clinic, our expert clinicians provide professional guidance and would create specific therapy plan to optimize recovery. We acknowledge and address our patient’s needs with compassion.
Facial exercises help strengthen the muscles and improve movement. These should be done gently and gradually to avoid overworking the muscles. Exercises might include raising the eyebrows, blinking, puffing cheeks, flaring nostrils, and moving mouth in different ways, like smiling or puckering the lips. Using a mirror can help see oneself and try to make the movements more balanced.
Along with physiotherapeutic exercises, at The Sherwood Clinic we would provide treatments such as facial massage for the affected muscles to increase circulation and maintain tone, acupuncture and electrical stimulation. Our aim is to support our patient holistically to maximize recovery.
New Developments and Future Research
In most cases, Bell’s Palsy reverses without any major interventions. However, researchers are constantly working to find out the causes behind the condition and accordingly bring advanced treatments. Some studies suggest that viral infections force the immune system to attack the facial nerve. This leads to Bell’s Palsy. Hence, researchers are working on testing treatments to help improve the immune response. Currently, research on stem cell therapy is in full swing, which may help to repair damaged facial nerves. This can help prevent the long-term paralysis.
In the future, scientists may use genetic research, new imaging methods, and even AI to diagnose and treat Bell’s Palsy earlier and more accurately. Although most people recover completely, continued research is important to help reduce long-term problems and improve treatments.
