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In Bell's Palsy there is a sudden loss of control of the muscles on one side of the face, although feeling in the affected side is still present. This loss of control can come on in just a few
hours. The result is a flat, expressionless face that can be rather disturbing for many patients. Drooping of the mouth and an inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face can also occur.
Other common symptoms of Bell's Palsy include pain behind the ear before the facial weakness develops; drooling; an altered sense of taste; changes in hearing and runny, teary eyes.
The muscles of the
face, which give us our expression and the ability to close our eyes properly, are all controlled by a facial nerve. This main nerve starts from a small hole in the skull just in front of the ear it branches
out over the face under the skin. If for some reason the main facial nerve is damaged, the face alters in shape. Although the cause of Bell's Palsy is unknown, it is thought that this facial nerve becomes
swollen and is compressed as it travels through the small hole in front of the ear. When the nerve is compressed, it cannot transmit nerve impulses that are essential for controlling the muscles of the face.
The inflammation of this nerve is thought to be caused by a type of infection and in many patients, it appears that a virus called Herpes simplex, which also causes cold sores, may infect the nerve and cause
Bell's Palsy. There seems to be an increased risk of developing Bell's Palsy in diabetic patients, patients with a poorly functioning immune system, people who have had a recent respiratory infection and for
women, during pregnancy, particularly when there is eclampsia. |
