Bell's Palsy

Imagine you wake up one morning and you can't move one side of your face. Bell's Palsy is a condition in which your seventh cranial nerve is impaired. Usually this condition resolves it's self on it's own and does not need any special treatment. However, it is scary, and should be diagnosed to make sure that other problems are not involved. Generally a CT/MRI of the skull is performed to verify the condition and to rule out other pathology that could affect other parts of the body or worsen the condition.

This condition affects approximately 40 000 Americans each year, and usually does not reoccur but can return in some instances. The causes for Bell's Palsy are still being debated but an increased chance of occurrence exists in the last trimester of pregnancy, people with the herpes virus, upper respiratory disease, and diabetes. It is suggested that the cranial nerve gets irritated by some of the small bones that the nerve passes through and then gets damaged or infected. Once the swelling subsides and the nerves heal, the condition passes and usually the facial functions are regenerated completely.

Some doctors may prescribe some antiviral medication or steroids to fight viral infection and reduce inflammation. Vitamin B1, B6, and Zinc can also be taken as a supporting agent to heal and aid in growth of new nerve-cells. Facial massages and speech therapy can also aid in getting some of the muscle function back and regain control of speech, since this cranial nerve also controls portions of the tongue. In some severe cases special precautions should be taken if the eye-lid can not be closed. Lubricants or eye drops can prevent the eye from drying out and the eye should probably be taped shut with an eye patch during the night.

This condition is usually not noticed by the settle symptoms before the onset of the paralysis. Some symptoms could be ringing in the ears, pain behind ears, and tingling in the lips or other area of face that turn into complete numbness. Symptoms usually subside completely within three to six months. This condition is not contagious.

This is an MRI of a brain with gadolinium - enhancement of the 7th cranial nerve bilaterally, left greater than right. Bilateral Bell's Palsy is rare, it usually just occurs on one side of the face.
Read more about this image here: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/545953_3

2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

This is an image of the 7th cranial nerve entering the facial tissue. It branches off to control muscle functions in your face.

This is another image that shows the effects of Bell's Palsy.


Information is from: http://infolongtermcare.org/articles/article.aspx?id=87