Hello folks. Today we will learn about Bell's Palsy. Have you heard about it?
Quote from Wikipedia
Bell's palsy is a paralysis of cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) resulting in inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Several conditions can cause a facial paralysis, e.g., brain tumor, stroke, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be identified, the condition is known as Bell's Palsy. Named after Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who first described it, Bell's palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy (disease involving only one nerve), and is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis.
Bell's palsy is defined as an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis, usually self-limiting. The trademark is rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usually in a single day. Symptoms typically subside after 2-6 days and full facial function is usually returned within 2-3 weeks. Although rare, residual paralysis or dysfunction is possible and chances of this increase with age.
It is thought that an inflammatory condition leads to swelling of the facial nerve (nervus facialis). The nerve travels through the skull in a narrow bone canal beneath the ear. Nerve swelling and compression in the narrow bone canal are thought to lead to nerve inhibition, damage or death. No readily identifiable cause for Bell's palsy has been found, but clinical and experimental evidence suggests herpes simplex type 1 infection may play a role.
Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory and anti-viral drugs. Early treatment is necessary for the drug therapy to have effect. The effect of treatment is still controversial. Most people recover spontaneously and achieve near-normal to normal functions. Many show signs of improvement as early as 10 days after the onset, even without treatment.
Often the eye in the affected side cannot be closed. The eye must be protected from drying up, or the cornea may be permanently damaged resulting in impaired vision. Patients with Bell's Palsy always claimed by others to resemble Popeye.
Bell's palsy is defined as an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis, usually self-limiting. The trademark is rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usually in a single day. Symptoms typically subside after 2-6 days and full facial function is usually returned within 2-3 weeks. Although rare, residual paralysis or dysfunction is possible and chances of this increase with age.
It is thought that an inflammatory condition leads to swelling of the facial nerve (nervus facialis). The nerve travels through the skull in a narrow bone canal beneath the ear. Nerve swelling and compression in the narrow bone canal are thought to lead to nerve inhibition, damage or death. No readily identifiable cause for Bell's palsy has been found, but clinical and experimental evidence suggests herpes simplex type 1 infection may play a role.
Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory and anti-viral drugs. Early treatment is necessary for the drug therapy to have effect. The effect of treatment is still controversial. Most people recover spontaneously and achieve near-normal to normal functions. Many show signs of improvement as early as 10 days after the onset, even without treatment.
Often the eye in the affected side cannot be closed. The eye must be protected from drying up, or the cornea may be permanently damaged resulting in impaired vision. Patients with Bell's Palsy always claimed by others to resemble Popeye.
I'm sharing this info with you because the most beautiful member of my family has just been diagnosed with Bell's palsy and it breaks my heart to see the changes in her facial features. But it's really heartening to learn that the condition IS NOT permanent and that it is curable. Alhamdulillah. I love her even more because she has courage and strong will and her high spirits will fight this thing called Bell's Palsy. She will pull through with flying colours.
The family has decided that she will not be treated with steroids (bad stuff!) and instead we have started her on homeopathic treatment and also good supplements to boost her immune system. Thanks to the luverly Dr. Chem, the homeopathy doctor who gave free consultation as always. Oh yes many thanks to Dr. Intan too!!!!
Did you know that Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney (one of the most sexiest men?) had Bell's Palsy too? Forget sexiest men, some babies are born with Bell's Palsy too.
It could happen to anyone. Even you and I.
Things like this make me realize how blessed and lucky we are!
2 comments:
thanks for the info.
http://tangsibiru.blogspot.com
Nor, I want Dr Chem's number please ...Been looking for a homoepathy pratitioner for the longest time..
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