Skip to main content. Brain and nerves. Home Brain and nerves. Bell's palsy. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, with young adults of either sex more susceptible for unknown reasons. The facial nerve services the muscles of the face, the ear, salivary and tear glands, and provides some of the sensations of taste on the tongue.
This nerve enters the skull via a small opening in the petrous temporal bone at the base of the skull. In Bell's palsy, the facial nerve swells and the resulting inflammation disrupts the relay of nervous system messages.
The paralysis can be partial or total. Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears or eye ointments or gels, and eye patches are also effective. Other therapies such as physical therapy, facial massage, or acupuncture may provide a potential small improvement in facial nerve function and pain.
In general, decompression surgery for Bell's palsy—to relieve pressure on the nerve—is controversial. On rare occasions, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to reduce deformities and correct some damage such as an eyelid that will not fully close or a crooked smile. The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. Clinical evidence of improvement occurs spontaneously within three weeks in 85 percent of cases, and most individuals eventually recover normal facial function.
Some individuals may be left with mild residual facial weakness or show moderate to severe deficits. The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use the knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
The NINDS conducts and supports an extensive research program of basic science to increase understanding of how the nervous system works and what causes the system to sometimes go wrong, leading to dysfunction. Part of this research program focuses on learning more about the circumstances that lead to nerve damage and the conditions that cause injuries and damage to nerves.
For example, in one research project, scientists are studying two genes to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the regeneration of nerve projections axons to their original targets.
An understanding of how to regenerate peripheral nerves may lead to ways to prevent nerve damage and injuries from occurring. Additional projects seek to identify the mechanisms and consequences of neuroinflammation on peripheral nerve function. Knowledge gained from this research may help scientists find the definitive cause of Bell's palsy, leading to the discovery of new effective treatments for the disorder.
Box Bethesda, MD NIH Publication No. Rarely, Bell's palsy can recur. The nerve that controls your facial muscles passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to your face.
Facial weakness or paralysis may cause one corner of your mouth to droop, and you may have trouble retaining saliva on that side of your mouth. The condition may also make it difficult to close the eye on the affected side of your face. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any type of paralysis because you may be having a stroke.
Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke, but it can cause similar symptoms. See your doctor if you experience facial weakness or drooping to find out the underlying cause and severity of the illness.
Although the exact reason Bell's palsy occurs isn't clear, it's often related to having a viral infection. Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause:. In Bell's palsy, that nerve becomes inflamed and swollen — usually related to a viral infection.
Besides facial muscles, the nerve affects tears, saliva, taste and a small bone in the middle of your ear. Recurrent attacks of Bell's palsy are rare.
But in some of these cases, there's a family history of recurrent attacks — suggesting a possible genetic predisposition to Bell's palsy. These tests may include:. Otherwise, the symptoms are treated as needed. One uniformly recommended treatment for Bell's palsy is protecting the eye from drying at night or while working at a computer. Eye care may include eye drops during the day, ointment at bedtime, or a moisture chamber at night. This helps protect the cornea from being scratched, which is crucial to the management of Bell's palsy.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe other treatment for your condition based on the severity of your symptoms and your health history. Other treatment options include:. Some people may choose to use alternative therapies in the treatment of Bell's palsy, but there is no proof they make a difference in recovery. Such treatment may include:. It is, therefore, important to protect the eye from drying at night or while working at a computer. This helps protect the cornea from being scratched.
It is important, however, to take medicines as directed. It is also crucial that you protect the affected eye from drying. Use of eye drops during the day and ointment at bedtime can protect the cornea from scratching.
0コメント