 This is a fairly common condition named after Dr. Charles Bell, a surgeon from Scotland, who first described it. It is usually mistaken for stroke but further screening will delineate this condition. There is usually a weakness or paralysis on one side of the face causing the eyes and facial muscles on the affected side to droop. This causes the person to speak, smile and close the eye with difficulty accompanied by headache, pain in the ear on the affected side, intolerance to loud sounds, and lost of taste on the front portion of the tongue. There is also a change in the amount of tears and because of difficulty closing the affected eye with the lower eyelid turned out, the affected eye is usually dry. The actual cause of the condition is still unclear but scientists believe that a viral cause is probable. The Herpes Simplex Virus is believed to lie dormant in the facial nerve and causes the inflammation when activated. It is usually seen in immunocompromised individuals - those who are diabetics, pregnant women, and other chronic conditions which compromise the immune system. Although this condition may clear up on its own even without treatment, most doctors still give medications to reduce or limit nerve damage. Steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines used to reduce the swelling and inflammation. They are given together with anti-virals like Acyclovir. A massage to the affected facial muscles can also help prevent contractures from occurring. Using an artificial tear to the dry eye and covering it with eye patch help protect the eye from injury. Labels: Bell’s Palsy, Herpes Simplex Virus, steroids, viral |
