Also called Bell’s palsy Bell’s palsy Called, the muscles on half of your face suddenly become paralyzed. Unlike a stroke, which is central paralysis that occurs in the brain, the problem of facial paralysis, which is peripheral facial paralysis, is in the facial nerve. This nerve controls, among other things, your facial expressions, but it also controls the closing of your eyes and mouth. If this nerve fails, you can reduce the use of the muscle on one side or not use it at all.
It is not entirely clear how Bell’s palsy develops. It may be due to inflammation. This causes the facial nerve to become enlarged and entrapped. Lyme disease can also be a cause. Usually the cause is not found. Facial paralysis often occurs after a period of cooling or dragging, for example if you’ve been sitting next to an open (car) window for a while. Facial nerve failure occurs in both men and women. Annually, about 20 to 32 per 100,000 people develop this condition.
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate Bell’s palsy. Good to know: With Bell’s palsy, you cannot close your eyes properly. This is possible with a stroke. Other symptoms associated with facial paralysis include:
- The corner of the mouth hangs down.
- The eye does not close properly. Even if I press it closed, it stays half open. Flashing is not working. The eye may also water.
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- tasting less
- Ears can be very sensitive to loud noises
- Dull pain in and around the ear
Because the symptoms of Bell’s palsy are very similar to those of a stroke, it is important to: Immediately To contact your doctor. If you have had a stroke, you should be treated as soon as possible.
For most people, Bell’s palsy will go away on its own. They do not need any treatment for this. This recovery can take about three to six months. To increase the chance of recovery, you will be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication. In the case of severe paralysis, the doctor sometimes prescribes prednisone. If you can’t close your eye properly, you’ll often be given a gel or drops to take home, or the eye will dry out. It is important that you rest for the first two weeks. It’s also best to avoid drafts and cool down for the time being. After three weeks, the first improvement is evident and after a few months to six months the improvement is even more pronounced. The nerve is damaged in a small percentage of people with Bell’s palsy. They sometimes have residual (minor) complaints, even after treatment with medication.
source | home doctor† amphene† healthscience.be
