Bell's palsy: symptoms, causes and treatment

One day we are so calm walking down the street and suddenly we notice that we cannot close our eyes. We try to speak and find that we can't move half of our mouth or it feels extremely weak. We drool or drop food or drink from our mouths, as if we came out of the dentist under anesthesia. We rush to the hospital and after several urgent exams and scans they tell us that we are not having a stroke but that we are **suffering from Bell's palsy**.

What is this? What are we facing? In this article we are going to talk about said paralysis.

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy, also called simply facial paralysis a frigore or VII mononeuropathy cranial nerve It is a neurological disorder in which part or all of the face suffers from paralysis or decreased muscle tone. This paralysis comes from an injury 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, deviation of the mouth towards the side that retains movement, drooling and difficulties speaking and feed. Tearing is also frequent.

Sometimes they can appear headaches, jaw pain or perceptual disturbances, such as hyperacusis or inability to detect taste in the affected hemifield. These symptoms usually appear suddenly, although they can take between two and three days to finish emerging and manifest their maximum effect.

Although at first glance it may not seem excessively limiting, it must be taken into account that it can be detrimental considerable: difficulties when communicating can greatly affect interpersonal relationships or even job level. Likewise, these communication difficulties and another such as their own when drinking or eating 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 rare before the age of sixteen). This type of paralysis is usually temporary (although it can last for months).

• You may be interested in: "Cerebral Palsy: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment"

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 (ie of unknown cause) in most cases. In fact, Another name for this disorder is idiopathic facial palsy..

In some cases there appears to be some relationship to infection with viruses such as herpes simplex, shingles, or HIV. Some cases have also appeared from the flu vaccination. It can also arise from suffering a head injury or trauma that can damage the nerve.

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

• Related article: "Brain tumor: types, classification and symptoms"

Treatment

Bell's palsy is in the vast majority of cases temporary (around 80%), so requiring a specific treatment for this disorder is not common. In those that it is necessary because the paralysis persists, the possible reason for it should be explored, analyzing the reason for the malfunction of the seventh cranial nerve and applying a specific treatment for each case. 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-inflammatories to reduce inflammation of the nerve and the surrounding area. Bioelectric muscle stimulation and physiotherapy they may also facilitate nerve arousal 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 of using decompression surgery, although it is not recommended and in many cases its real effectiveness is discussed.

Forecast

The prognosis in most cases is positive: symptoms generally 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 appear, or alterations such as the sense of taste.

In any case, it is essential to go to a doctor as soon as possible if our face or part of it becomes paralyzed: there is Bear in mind that sudden facial paralysis can also be the result of a stroke that 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 in: https://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/paralisis_de_bell.htm
• León-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.