Bell’s palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscle. It occurs when the nerve controls your face gets compressed, swollen, or inflamed. It causes drooping of the affected side of the face. 

CAUSES

• Compression or swelling of the Facial nerve. The exact cause for the swelling is not clear. Some researchers believe the swelling can be triggered by a viral infection.

RISK FACTORS

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Head injury 
• Respiratory or lung infection
• Family history of Bell’s Palsy

SYMPTOMS

• Facial expression –   Loss of normal muscle function that controls facial expressions, such as smiling, squinting, blinking, or closing the eyelid on the affected side. 
• Eyes- trouble closing the eyelid on the affected side that causes dryness of the eyes. 
• Ears- Increased sensitivity to the sound in the affected ear. Pain around the ear
• Mouth- Loss of taste sensation on the tongue. Excessive drooling of saliva leads to dry mouth. The mouth droops. Difficulty in eating or drinking or talking. Pain around the jaw.
• Weakness and numbness of the face. 
• Headache

COMPLICATIONS

Most of the people affected with Bell’s palsy completely recover without any complications. However, complications can occur in most severe or untreated cases. These include the following:

• Permanent damage to your facial nerve.
• Excessive dryness of the eye, leading to eye infections, ulcers, or even vision loss.
• Disorder in regrowth of nerve fibers may result in involuntary contraction of certain muscles when you’re trying to move others. For example, the affected side of your eye may close when you are trying to smile.

DIAGNOSIS

• Clinical examination – by your doctor to detect the extension of the weakness of the facial nerve.
• Blood tests – to detect bacterial or viral infection; to detect Diabetes
• Imaging test – CT, MRI, and Electromyography (EMG) to check the nerves of the face and to detect stroke, tumor.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Eye drops to lubricate and prevent dryness of the eye.
• Wearing an eye patch can help in preventing eye dryness by covering your eyes closed at night. 
• Face exercises and massage helps in muscle strengthening. These exercises are harmless and safe to practice at home if you find any difficulties, do it with your doctor’s guidance.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homeopathic medicines have known effects in the treatment of viral infections. Treatment also targeted towards repairing the nerve cells damaged in case of traumatic Bell’s palsy. There are more than 25 indicated medicines available for Bell’s palsy. The selection of medicine varies depending upon the causes and severity of symptoms.

For rapid recovery and to prevent complications Homeopathy is strongly suggested.

For consultation and appointments write into contact@beingwellhomoeopathy.com