Q: I am suffering from Bell’s palsy and the left side of my face is affected. I am taking medicine for this and now after three months, my nerves have become active and there is movement on the affected side of my face. But, I still am not able to close my eyes with full pressure. The doctor said to take the medicine for two months more. I am unmarried so people say that I cannot be cured fully from the Bell’s palsy.
A: To begin with, there is no discrimination with regard to being married, single, gay, straight, Caucasian, African American, or otherwise when it comes to developing Bell’s palsy. I’d truly hate to see you marry just so you can recover from the disorder. It just doesn’t happen that way.
Bell’s palsy can occur at any age to anyone. For most individuals, the condition is temporary. Symptoms improve within a few weeks and can dissipate in about six months. For others, some residual effects may be present for the rest of a person’s life. The nerves on one side of the face become inflamed and swollen and half the affected person’s face takes on the appearance seen in stroke victims.
Symptoms include a facial droop on one side, pain in the jaw or behind the ear, headache, a diminished amount of both saliva and tear production, and lower eyelid drooping. While extremely rare, Bells palsy can affect both sides of the face. The eyes may not close completely, leading to excessive dryness and the potential for a corneal scratch.
While the cause is not completely understood, it is commonly linked to exposure to viral infections such as influenza, shingles, German measles, Lyme disease, and more. In some instances, there may be a genetic predisposition that comes in to play. Late-stage Lyme disease, stroke and tumors can mimic or present with Bell’s palsy, causing facial muscle weakness that all present in a similar fashion, making diagnosis difficult at first.
Diagnosis is commonly made through visual examination by a health care professional. If questions remain, an EMG, X-ray, CT or MRI might be ordered. The EMG has the capability of detecting nerve damage and the severity of it, while imaging testing will be able to rule out other conditions such as skull fracture or tumors.
Treatment may be provided through antibiotics if Lyme is suspected or antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and others or corticosteroids which are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce the swelling. Physical therapy may follow to prevent atrophy of the paralyzed muscles. Rarely, if ever, surgery is recommended. Bell’s palsy should, with time, dissipate on its own, with or without treatment. The purpose of medical intervention is to speed recovery.
There are a number of things you can do in the convenience of your own home. Your physician may choose to have you put lubricating eye drops in the affected eye, wear an eye patch or tape the lid closed. He or she may recommend prescription steroids. You may find over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help ease any pain you may have. The application of moist heat may also help. Simply dip a wash cloth in warm water and place it on your face several times a day. A physical therapist can instruct you how to massage your facial muscles. Practice relaxation techniques through meditation, yoga or even by sitting quietly listening to comforting music.
You are seeing progress based on your physician’s recommendations. Therefore, I side with him or her to have you continue your medication for another two months. Hopefully, you will be completely or at least greatly improved by then. By all means, advise your friends you don’t have plans for an immediate marriage, just a trip to see your doctor! Good luck.
