Bell’s palsy is the most common form of facial paralysis. Although things like a stroke can cause facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy is quite different. Scientists suspect the underlying cause may be the facial nerve’s reaction to a viral infection; the nerve becomes inflamed and swollen in its bone passageway. The result is a drooping of one side of the face, particularly the mouth and eye, making facial expressions difficult. Spit, tears, and taste are also influenced by the facial nerve, making a change in the production of the first two and depleting the latter.
Bell’s Palsy can develop as quickly as a few hours. The corner of the mouth begins to droop, the eyelid to refuse to shut or blink properly, and some pain and sensitivity may result. Although there is nothing inherently “dangerous” about such a condition, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Additionally, time is generally the most effective healer. Some symptoms can be made less severe, but by and large, once Bell’s Palsy occurs, it usually takes about six months to go away, and does so on its own.
The Diagnostic Process
While there isn’t a specific “test” that says you do or do not have Bell’s palsy, it is possible to make sure something more serious is going on. To be certain of the disorder present, an electromyography or imaging tests may be necessary. An electromyography (or EMG) tests both muscles and motor neurons (the nerves that control movement) to check for damage or dysfunction using electrodes attached to the body. There are multiple types of imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) forms highly accurate pictures of the soft, inner parts of the body. Since large parts of the facial nerve reside in a chamber of bone as it travels, this can be an extremely helpful method. Computerized tomography (CT) scanning, on the other hand, creates a cross sectional view, allowing a different angle, depending on what your doctor suspects may be going on.
Hearing and balance tests may also be administered. Regardless of whether or not you feel certain that any facial paralysis present is Bell’s palsy, it is still extremely important to visit a doctor, to make sure something more serious isn’t going on.
