Bell's Palsy
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Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from damage to the 7th
(facial) cranial nerve. This nerve disorder afflicts approximately 40,000 Americans
each year. It can strike almost anyone at any age; however, it disproportionately
attacks pregnant women and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or some
other upper respiratory ailment. In addition to one-sided facial paralysis with
possible inability to close the eye, symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include pain,
tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and impairment
of taste. The common cold sore virus, herpes simplex, and other herpes viruses
are the likely cause of many cases of Bell’s palsy.
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Recent (April 2001*) studies have shown that steroids are probably effective
and that the drug acyclovir combined with prednisone is possibly effective in
improving facial function. Other treatments are usually aimed at protecting
the eye from drying at nighttime. Some physicians may prescribe a corticosteroid
drug to help reduce inflammation and an analgesic to relieve pain.
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The prognosis for Bell’s palsy is generally very good. With or without treatment,
most patients begin to get significantly better within 2 weeks, and about 80
percent recover completely within 3 months. For some, however, the symptoms
may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear.
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The NINDS supports an extensive research program of basic studies to increase
understanding of how the nervous system works. A major goal of this research
is to develop methods for repairing damaged nerves and restoring full use and
strength to injured areas.
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National Organization
for Rare Disorders (NORD)
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