Now, keep up to date
with daily feeds of newly posted stories
about America's Seniors...click on the box
to the left
Bell’s
Palsy: Facial Paralysis that’s not a stroke
Newswise — Bell’s palsy -- which causes
sudden weakness or paralysis on one half of
the face -- is not associated with stroke,
and most people recover completely.
But according to the July issue of Mayo
Clinic Health Letter, it’s still
advisable to seek emergency care to confirm
a diagnosis and start treatment, which can
up the odds of full recovery.
The disorder is often related to a viral
infection. The nerve that controls facial
muscles passes through a narrow corridor of
bone on its way to the face.
If the nerve becomes inflamed or swollen,
typically due to a viral infection, it can
become compressed, irritated and injured in
this narrow pathway. The result is Bell’s
palsy.
Symptoms include:
-- Abrupt weakness or limpness on one side
of the face (Most people don’t experience
total paralysis.)
-- A dry, irritated eye with tears dripping
from the corner
-- Pain around the ear or jaw, ringing in
the ears, sensitivity to noise
-- Headache
-- Loss of taste or a decrease in saliva
production
Bell’s palsy can affect anyone, at any age.
The risk rises until about age 40 and then
begins to decrease.
The condition is most likely to occur in
people who have certain viral infections,
such as cold sores or upper respiratory
infections, and in those who have Lyme
disease or diabetes.
Treatment increases the likelihood of full
recovery and may help shorten the recovery
time.
A doctor may prescribe a course of oral
corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation
around the facial nerve.
Researchers have studied antiviral drugs as
a way to speed recovery. There’s some
controversy on their effectiveness.
Mayo Clinic doctors say there may be benefit
if the drugs are given within the 72 hours
of symptom onset.
For most people, symptoms begin to improve
within a few weeks. Complete recovery may
take three to six months or even longer in
severe cases. About 85 percent of those with
Bell’s palsy recover completely.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
is an eight-page monthly newsletter of
reliable, accurate and practical information
on today’s health and medical news. To
subscribe, please call 800-333-9037
(toll-free), extension 9771, or visit
www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.com.
... ..
...
...