Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, can occur at any age. It causes sudden weakness in facial muscles. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to be the result of swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of your face. It may be a reaction that occurs after a viral infection.
Bell’s palsy is not caused by a stroke. Anyone who experience facial weakness or drooping must seek immediate medical help to determine the underlying cause and severity of the illness. A patient with any type of paralysis may have a stroke.
Signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy come on suddenly, and may include:
- Mild facial muscle weakness or total paralysis with difficulty to smile or close eye on the affected side
- Facial droop with difficulty to make facial expressions
- Pain around the jaw or behind ear on the affected side
- Headache
- A decreased ability to taste
- Changes in lacrimation and salivation
In most cases Bell’s palsy affect the nerve on one side of the face. In rare cases, it can affect the nerves on both sides of face.
Many patients with Bell’s palsy gradually recover within 4-6 weeks with appropriate treatments. However recovery from a case involving total paralysis varies. Complications may include:
- Irreversible damage to facial nerve.
- Involuntary contraction of certain facial muscles due to misdirected re-growth of nerve fibers, resulting in synkinesis.
- Visional impairment due to excessive dryness and scratching of the cornea.
Commonly used medications to treat Bell’s palsy include corticosteroids, such as prednisone and some antiviral drugs. In addition acupuncture together with acupressure with Chinese herbal liniments is effective in promoting the recovery of Bell’s palsy and may help prevent muscle contractures although the quality of current available clinical trials was inadequate to allow any evidence-based conclusion about the efficacy of acupuncture for the condition.
Dr. Xie had successfully helped many patients with Bell’s palsy by using a method of combining acupuncture and acupressure. To make an appointment please contact Dr. Xie (Dr. J) at (847) 630-8798.