Did you know that Bell’s Palsy affects approximately 40,000 people in the United States each year? It affects about 1 person in 65 during a lifetime. Global Statistics indicate a frequency about .02 percent of the world’s population (Bell's Palsy Overview, 2015)
Bell’s palsy can be a handful, but with the necessary steps it can be controlled.
First, I am going to explain what is Bell’s palsy and it’s causes; second, the signs and symptoms; and third, diagnosis along with treatment.
What is Bell’s Palsy? According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke “Bell’s Palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the nerves (Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet, 2003)”. The nerve affected is seventh cranial nerve and it is responsible for normal muscle function; for example, blinking, chewing and smiling etc.
Bell’s Palsy was named after Scottish surgeon Sir Charles Bell in the 19th century, he first discovered that any disruption to the seventh …show more content…
Bell’s palsy cases range from mild to severe. It is usually diagnosed by a general practitioner through physical examination. Since there is no exact cause of this disease, the doctor may have to conduct a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that may similar symptoms. This is done by A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a Computed tomography (CT) are conducted to rule out any structural causes (head trauma) and a nerve test (electromyography) to determine how much of the nerves is damaged, also a blood test can be done to detect any infections. In mild cases, symptoms disappear on their own within a couple weeks. If it is linked to another disease direct treatment (medication) can help clear up the issue. Due to severe dry eye doctors recommend using an eye patch and ointments to maintain moisture. Therapeutic treatments may include facial massages and acupuncture to help prevent permanent muscle
Bell’s palsy can be a handful, but with the necessary steps it can be controlled.
First, I am going to explain what is Bell’s palsy and it’s causes; second, the signs and symptoms; and third, diagnosis along with treatment.
What is Bell’s Palsy? According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke “Bell’s Palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the nerves (Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet, 2003)”. The nerve affected is seventh cranial nerve and it is responsible for normal muscle function; for example, blinking, chewing and smiling etc.
Bell’s Palsy was named after Scottish surgeon Sir Charles Bell in the 19th century, he first discovered that any disruption to the seventh …show more content…
Bell’s palsy cases range from mild to severe. It is usually diagnosed by a general practitioner through physical examination. Since there is no exact cause of this disease, the doctor may have to conduct a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that may similar symptoms. This is done by A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a Computed tomography (CT) are conducted to rule out any structural causes (head trauma) and a nerve test (electromyography) to determine how much of the nerves is damaged, also a blood test can be done to detect any infections. In mild cases, symptoms disappear on their own within a couple weeks. If it is linked to another disease direct treatment (medication) can help clear up the issue. Due to severe dry eye doctors recommend using an eye patch and ointments to maintain moisture. Therapeutic treatments may include facial massages and acupuncture to help prevent permanent muscle