Diagnosis and Treatment: Bell's Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from damage to the
7th (facial) cranial nerve. This nerve disorder afflicts approximately 40,000
Americans each year. It can strike almost anyone at any age; however, it disproportionately
attacks pregnant women and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or some
other upper respiratory ailment. In addition to one-sided facial paralysis with
possible inability to close the eye, symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include
pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and
impairment of taste. The common cold sore virus, herpes simplex, and other herpes
viruses are the likely cause of many cases of Bell’s palsy.

Is there any treatment?

Recent studies have shown that steroids are probably effective
and that the drug acyclovir combined with prednisone is possibly effective in
improving facial function. Other treatments are usually aimed at protecting
the eye from drying at nighttime. Some physicians may prescribe a corticosteroid
drug to help reduce inflammation and an analgesic to relieve pain.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for Bell’s palsy is generally very good. With or without
treatment, most patients begin to get significantly better within 2 weeks, and
about 80 percent recover completely within 3 months. For some, however, the
symptoms may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely
disappear.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) support
an extensive research program of basic studies to increase understanding of
how the nervous system works. A major goal of this research is to develop methods
for repairing damaged nerves and restoring full use and strength to injured
areas.

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Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke