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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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0014
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00147.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK00147}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Bell's Palsy?}
$Subject{Bell's Palsy cause Nervous System Bell Palsies face facial nerve
temporal bone electrical stimulus faces nerves}
$Volume{F-2}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What is Bell's Palsy?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: My mother was stricken with Bell's Palsy while she slept. We were
told it was caused by a cold draft of air striking that side of the face.
What can you tell us about the affliction, and is it safe to have an open
bedroom window at night?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Most cases of Bell's Palsy seem to arrive suddenly, and frequently a
draft or sudden exposure to cold is thought to be the cause. Actually no one
is quite sure what the cause is but it is believed to be something, like a
viral infection or and immune reaction, which causes the facial nerve to swell
and become compressed in the narrow bony canal through which it passes inside
the temporal bone. Sometimes there is a warning sign of pain behind the ear
before that side of the face becomes paralyzed, often within hours of the
first symptoms. Fortunately, recovery is complete in about 90% of the cases
where the nerve retains its reaction to electrical stimulus, though it may
take months to be complete. I suppose, under the circumstances, if I thought
the draft was the cause, I'd adjust the amount my windows were open to prevent
any strong currents.
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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.