Bell's Palsy is a rare disease that affects the nerves in the face. It makes the patient unable to move the affected side of their face. Usually patients are under fifteen or over sixty. Sometimes pregnant women can develop the disease. People become self-conscious when they have Bell's Palsy because it alters the appearance of their face. The paralysis does not last forever, but sometimes it can reoccur in the other side of someone's face.
The cause of Bell's Palsy will vary. You can get it if you are hit hard in the face, such as in a sports injury or something. You can get it from the virus that causes shinglees, herpes, or even mono. If you are very sick with a flu or pneumonia you can also develop Bell's Palsy.
The facial nerves that are affected when a patient develops Bell's Palsy are in the skull and near the ear. There are two main domestic nerves, one for each side of your face. The condition is named after the Scottish surgeon, Sir Charles Bell, who was the first to research and describe the condition. When someone has Bell's Palsy their brain stops telling the facial nerves how to move. Patients will find that when they smile or make a facial expression, only one side of their face will react.
It can also be difficult for patients to blink or chew. They may experience some pain around their ear or have a headache. They'll notice they have twitching or drooping on only one side of their face. The symptoms of Bell's Palsy will usually be pretty straightforward, and if you go to a doctor they will be able to diagnose you and give you any pain or anti-inflammatory medication you might need.
There is no real cure for Bell's Palsy. Usually it goes away on its own, but there are ways to speed up the process. For example, you can take medication in order to reduce any swelling or infection you might be experiencing. You can also visit a physical therapist if your Bell's Palsy has not gone away on its own in two to four weeks.
It can be extremely frustrating to experience a condition such as Bell's Palsy, because you know what you want your face to do, but it will not respond. Patients with this condition should seek counseling or forums to ask the advice of others who have suffered the same thing. This way, they will not feel as frustrated or as embarrassed about the fact that their face will not move.
While this article provides some basic information about Bell's Palsy and what it looks like, there are many other resources that provide even more information. Check out books at your local library or bookstore or purchase an eBook on the internet that will give you more information. People who have Bell's Palsy may want to share their story with you so that you can avoid the pain and embarrassment they might have gone through.