All you need to know about Bell’s palsy

The facial nerve is one of the cranial nerves that control the facial muscles that produce facial expressions. Lesion or inflammation in the facial nerve can result in a condition known as Bell’s palsy. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. However, many researchers believe that it is caused due to viral infection. The sudden weakness of facial muscles and paralysis can be shocking for patients; however, many patients are unaware of their condition and the doctor they should visit. This blog will talk about the signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy and the doctor you should be consulting if the symptoms appear.

Signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy vary from person to person according to the severity of the lesion. However, a patient may get sudden symptoms after suffering any eye, ear infection or severe cold. Palsy can occur if the facial nerve is infected or swallowing the bells, presenting the following symptoms. Inability to smile, difficulty closing the eyes voluntarily, one side of the mouth drops, loss of Muscle Tone on one side of the face, difficulty pronouncing some words, sensitivity to the sound, altered taste.

Suppose you notice that symptoms consulting the doctor timely are very important to prevent the persisting complications. The doctor who deals with the patient with Bell’s palsy is an ENT or a Neurologist; however, as the facial nerve lesions begin from the infection or inflammatory condition of the ear, the doctor most preferred for the treatment of Bell’s palsy is ENT specialist.

Accurate diagnosis by the ENT is very important. To diagnose Bell’s palsy based on signs and symptoms, your doctor may ask you to perform certain facial movements and expressions to check the degree of facial muscle paralysis. An actual test is not available for Bell palsy. The diagnosis is made based on clinical history, physical examination, and medical tests, including CT scan, MRI and EMG.

Different treatment options are available to cure Bell’s palsy, which varies from patient to patient. ENT specialists may recommend antiviral medication, oral corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications, and electronic nerve stimulation. One of the important treatments that your doctor may recommend to you is proper eye care.

In Bell palsy, the eyelid cannot close, so the eye is left open most of the time, due to which it can become dry. Long-term dryness can damage the eye, causing vision loss and other visual complications. For this doctor at ENT CLINIC LONDON recommends patient regularly use eye drops and eye ointment to keep the eye moisturized. Using an eye patch, tapping the eyes shut at night, and facial massage is some of the other options for the pain and suffering of Bell’s palsy patient. If you or anyone in your circle face such signs consult now at ENT CLINIC LONDON to get treatment by expert ENT specialist.