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Bell's palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles, the movement and expression. Each year, approximately 40,000 Americans, the condition, most are over 40, although the disease can occur at any age. Paralysis, which on the one side of the face, is usually temporary. The symptoms are the inability to close one eye and weakness and lack of muscles on the affected side. The face may feel as if they are shot, and talking and eating, can be difficult . In some cases, one side of the mouth droops and the senses of taste and hearing impaired. The eye can also unusually dry. Bell's palsy usually develops quickly, often overnight, but some patients recall a warning pain behind the ear for a few hours to a few days before the start. The paralysis is thought, by a swelling of the facial nerve, the brain to the face. As the nerve swells, it compresses the surrounding bone Housing . The real cause is unknown, but Bell's palsy, because often followed by an earache, cold or other viral infection, some doctors believe a virus may be involved. injuries to the head, and pregnancy have also been implicated. In80 to 90 percent of the cases , Bell's palsy is a temporary state. If paralysis begins to until the end of the second week, the prognosis for full recovery is good.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

Most events can be diagnosed by characteristic symptoms and their rapid onset. If there is any doubt, a physician for X-rays and perhaps a CT or MRI of the skull, a tumor, fracture, or bone erosion. Blood tests can help detect a possible underlying infection. If facial paralysis persists, nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG) may be ordered to measure the extent and damage of the nerves.

Medical Treatments

The treatment for this condition is some what controversial. Because most cases resolve without therapy, some doctors recommend a wait and see policy. Others advocate swift medical intervention in the hope of shortening the course of the paralysis. If no improvement within two weeks, the treatment is advisable. There are two approaches: The most frequently require corticosteroid drugs like prednisone to reduce swelling and inflammation of nerves. Normally, the drug used in high doses for five days and then tapered off and stopped over the next five days. Sometimes surgery is performed to the bony canal around the facial nerve. But that is only as a last resort.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative Therapies for Bell's palsy is still controversial than that of conventional medicine, since their effectiveness is questionable. Those who sometimes suggested.

Acupuncture

Stimulate the meridians control nerves in the head and face being told swelling and reverse paralysis, the nerve has not been permanently damaged.

Aromatherapy

Facial massage with aromatic oils can prevent muscle cramps and speed recovery.

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Kräuterkundige recommend Pueraria combination, resulting from the Kudzu root, mahuang, ginger, jujube fruit, cinnamon, Peony Root, Licorice, and for the acute numbness of the facial nerve, and a combination of cinnamon, atractylodes, Eisenhut and chronic this nerve disorders.

Self-treatment

Self-help is to prevent eye damage and long-term relief of symptoms to recovery. Since you are probably unable to blink or close your eyes, it should be protected with an eye patch, especially during sleep. Artificial tears or eyedrops drugs to alleviate a dry eye. Specific exercises and facial massage to prevent contractures and even long-term damage to the facial muscles. A physical therapist may prescribe exercises to do at home. Carries a splint helps prevent drooping of the lower part of the face. A doctor or physiotherapist may be a reasonable one, or you can fashion your own from a long strip of cotton or linen. Chewing and swallowing can be difficult, so avoid foods may cause choking. In fact, you can become a liquid diet until the paralysis disappears.

Other causes of Facial Paralysis

Infection, Guillain Barré syndrome, Lyme disease, shingles, stroke or a tumor are among the many other causes of facial paralysis. Spasms of the facial muscles, called hemifacial spasm, can cause symptoms similar to those of Bell's palsy. In rare cases, women develop a so-called facial hemiatrophy of Romberg, the loss of fatty tissue under the skin. The disease progresses slowly, leading to atrophy and facial distortion.

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