$Unique_ID{BRK00797}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Where Does Bell's Palsy Come From?}
$Subject{Bell's Palsy Infections infection Nervous System swelling facial
nerves partial nerve paralysis eye eyes blinking reflex affected
methylcellulose}
$Volume{F-2}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does Bell's Palsy Come From?


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QUESTION:  My husband is suffering from Bell's Palsy.  He looks terrible, and
worries about his appearance.  Where did this come from, we can't figure out
anything of recent date that might have caused it?  Is there a chance that
this might all go away and just become an unpleasant memory?

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ANSWER:  No one is quite sure just where Bell's Palsy comes from, but we do
know that it is caused by swelling of the facial nerve, an important nerve
that goes to the muscles of the face, possibly due to an immune or viral
disease.  This swelling creates a pressure on the nerve in the narrow and
confined passage that the nerve runs through in the temporal bone, which
results in the paralysis.  The condition may start with a pain behind the ear,
but frequently there is no warning at all.  The muscles on one side of the
face become weak, and so the face droops and looks terrible.  The patient may
find it difficult to talk, cannot smile, and the condition does appear pretty
bad.  However, if there is only partial nerve paralysis, complete recovery
occurs after several months.  Even with total paralysis, the chances of
recovery may be as high as 90% if the nerve still responds to electrical
stimulation.  Your main task now is to protect the eye on the affected side,
which is exposed because the blinking reflex has been affected.  A temporary
patch on the eye and the use of methylcellulose "artificial tears" will help
you there.  Remain cheerful, and encourage your husband with this good news,
for the chances are all in his favor, and the possibilities of a complete
recovery are great.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.