Bell’s Palsy
We discussed Bell’s Palsy before, but because a mother asked me about this condition today, I might as well review what Bell’s Palsy is for the benefit of everyone.
Bell’s Palsy is a motor unit facial paralysis of unknown cause. Experts presume it to be due to edema of the nerve as it passes through the facial canal in the temporal bone.
Clinically, the Bell’s Palsy patient will develop the following:
– pain in the ear of the affected side
– progression of the development of facial paralysis within a few hours and the asymmetric facial expression is the result of the pulling of the face of the unaffected side
– difficulties in closing the eye, drinking or eating
– once the paralysis is complete, the face sags and excessive tearing of the eyes is noted
– subclinical peripheral neuropathy can be observed, too
The management of Bell’s Palsy includes the use of vasodilator agents, Vitamin C and steroids. The eyes are also given full attention and care with the use of bland ointments and eye patch to prevent corneal drying and secondary infection.