Bell’s palsy is a facial condition with no known cause, characterized by paralysis or weakness of the muscles on the affected side of your face. It usually occurs rather suddenly and thus may be a source of much anxiety. Although most of these signs are transitory, facial drooping, muscle rigidity, or the inability to shut one eye may be overwhelming.
You want to know more about Bell’s palsy, as this will help increase control and readiness for your recovery. In this article, you learn things to expect in recovery if you have recently observed symptoms of Bell’s palsy or are already in recovery.
If you or a close one is diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, it is crucial to consult with a professional physical therapist. At Suarez Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are focused on delivering the best treatment solutions throughout Las Vegas.
An Overview of Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic acute peripheral facial condition characterized by a sudden onset of muscle paralysis or weakness on a unilateral side of the face. It is a type of facial paralysis in which the seventh cranial nerve, which controls your facial muscles and allows facial movements like smiling or frowning, blinking, or tearing, becomes compressed or inflamed.
Although its causes are not well understood, it may be associated with a viral infection such as the herpes simplex virus, which leads to cold sores. The condition often develops rapidly, and visible symptoms can occur within 48 hours of the onset.
Even though Bell’s palsy may seem frightening, there is usually no need for major concern. Most of the time, the condition improves over time, and with the help of some medication, the chances of recovery are very high.
What You Will Feel If You Have Bell’s Palsy
Suffering from Bell’s palsy can be somewhat uncomfortable because the symptoms usually appear suddenly and change the way your face usually looks. The most obvious symptom is that one side of your face becomes weak or paralyzed.
It can be difficult to shut one eye, yawn, or even smile symmetrically because your facial muscles may feel tenser or even heavier. This is usually experienced as facial drooping, especially around your mouth or the eyelids.
Bell’s palsy can also impact your sense of taste, and you can have problems that cause you to drool or tear in one eye. You could also feel discomfort or pain in the region behind your ear on the affected side of your face. However, despite these symptoms, you should know that this condition is often temporary and that, with the right treatment, your facial muscles can be strengthened again.
Diagnosing Bell’s Palsy
Your healthcare provider will conduct a general physical examination when diagnosing Bell’s palsy. They will determine the extent of facial muscle weakness and look for nerve injuries. Due to the similarities in the symptoms of Bell’s palsy with other more severe diseases, such as stroke or tumor, your doctor will have to carry out examinations to eliminate the probability that these diseases are the ones you are affected with.
The first assessment is usually a neurological check, and they will look at the ability of your face to move and how your reflexes are working. Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to rule out any anatomical abnormality of the facial nerve.
In some instances, electromyography (EMG) records the electrical activity in the facial muscles to determine how severe the nerve involvement is. Early diagnosis is critical in controlling the disease so that treatment can begin immediately and the chances of full recovery are enhanced.
Is Bell’s Palsy Dangerous?
Bell’s palsy is not regarded as a life-threatening or even permanently disabling ailment. Though the occurrence of facial paralysis is shocking, the overall prognosis is quite favorable, and approximately 90% of the patients regain facial function within three to six months if treated early.
However, the condition can be severe or mild. You may have mild issues with your facial muscles; you could experience complete paralysis on the unilateral side of your face. Very rarely, Bell’s palsy can result in complications such as permanent facial paralysis, facial twitching, or even abnormal facial sweating.
Even though it is usually only temporary, Bell’s palsy can disrupt normal activities and cause distress. Hence, if you experience such symptoms, it is necessary to go for a checkup and adhere to physician-advised treatment, which entails exercise and other treatments meant to restore nerves and muscles, respectively.
Is Bell’s Palsy a Common Condition?
Bell’s palsy is not a rare disease. It is estimated to occur in 5% of the population at some point in their lives and affects approximately 40,000 Americans a year. It is non-hereditary and can develop at any age, but it is most common among adolescents and middle-aged people.
Although Bell’s palsy can affect anyone, some risk factors can contribute to its development, including a family history of the condition or being pregnant, especially during the third trimester. Diabetic patients or those with upper respiratory infections like the flu are also at higher risk of obtaining it. However, most patients make a good recovery with time, and the condition does not recur.
Symptoms and Signs of Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is characterized by some signs and symptoms that vary in severity. Most symptoms are usually mild and may affect only 1 side of the face. The primary signs of Bell’s palsy are a drooping eyebrow, eyelid, forehead, or corner of your mouth or a paralyzed facial expression that can affect normal functioning, such as eating, smiling, and closing the eyes.
Additional symptoms include:
- Your tongue deviates to the side of the affected half of the face, and the corners of your mouth and the eyes on the same side may droop.
- Tearing or dryness of one eye only is often excessive.
- Reduced sensation or complete loss of sense of taste, especially on the anterior two-thirds of your tongue.
- Hyperacusis is a condition where you become sensitive to sound in one ear.
- Discomfort or pain around the jaw or behind your ear on your affected side.
- Problems with moving your facial muscles; for example, you may experience difficulty in blinking or smiling.
- Difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking.
- Headache
These symptoms usually appear rapidly and worsen within 48 hours. Also, you should know that Bell’s palsy is a condition that affects only your facial muscles, so you will not lose motor function in other parts of your body.
Warning Signs that Indicate Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy often occurs without prior symptoms and affects the unilateral side of your face alone. However, some people may experience symptoms that can be a warning sign that might lead to the paralysis of their facial muscles. Some warning signs that should be looked at include a dull headache or pain behind the ear or along the jawline on the affected side.
Other early signs might be tingling or numbness in the face, which might later be accompanied by muscle weakness or spasms. These sensations may develop hours or even days before complete paralysis occurs. You should consult a doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms. This is because seeing a therapist in the early stages of the disease will make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Factors that Cause Bell’s Palsy
Factors that cause Bell’s palsy have not yet been identified, although most specialists are convinced of its relation to viral infections. When a herpes simplex virus invades your facial nerve, it causes inflammation. This inflammation traps the nerve within the tight bony tunnel, leading to muscle weakness or even paralysis.
Other viruses that can be associated with this condition include the following:
- Herpes zoster virus (responsible for shingles and )
- Epstein-Barr virus, responsible for causing mononucleosis.
- Cytomegalovirus
- Influenza B
- Adenoviruses (a virus that causes respiratory disease).
These viral infections are usually dormant in the body after the first illness but may become active again at some point, leading to facial nerve inflammation.
Risk Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Bell’s Palsy
While Bell’s palsy can strike anyone, some risk factors may predispose you to develop Bell’s palsy. They include the following:
- Family History: If one of your family members has had Bell’s palsy, you might get the same condition.
- Age: Bell’s palsy can affect any age group but is most common in adults between 15 and 60.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women, especially in their third trimester of pregnancy, are at a higher risk of developing Bell’s palsy. One probable cause may be hormonal changes during pregnancy or increased fluid around the facial nerve.
- Viral Infections: If you have had a recent upper respiratory infection, like flu or a cold, you are likely to be affected by Bell’s palsy. The pressure these infections exert on the immune system may cause the disease.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Diabetics, especially, are at higher risk because of the possibilities of nerve injury and inflammation related to autoimmune disorders.
- Respiratory Illnesses: If you have the flu or any other respiratory illness, then you are most likely to develop Bell’s palsy since there is a clear link between viruses and facial nerve inflammation.
When you understand these risk factors, it may help you to be alert and seek medical attention early when you experience these early symptoms because you may be able to get a better result.
How Bell’s Palsy is Treated
The treatment of Bell’s palsy mainly focuses on minimizing facial nerve inflammation and promoting functional rehabilitation. If treatment is administered before the third day of the onset of the symptoms, normal health can be restored.
Common treatments for Bell’s palsy include:
Corticosteroids
Prednisone, an anti-inflammatory medicine, is commonly prescribed to decrease inflammation in the area around the facial nerve. Corticosteroids are also most effective when taken early once the symptoms surface and aid in regaining facial movement faster.
Antiviral Medications
On some occasions, an antiviral drug is administered if the infection is thought to be viral, although the effectiveness of such medications is questionable. When used with corticosteroids, an antiviral drug might help address the underlying viral cause.
Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist will recommend exercises to retain muscle tone and avoid muscle hardening. Soft massages and facial gymnastics can also help in the recovery process and avoid various unpleasant consequences.
Eye Care
If you have trouble shutting one eye, using an eye drop or a patch for the eye will help avoid dryness or irritation of the cornea. This is especially important at night to prevent harm to the exposed eye, possibly leading to severe vision loss.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can control pain or discomfort around the face or behind the ears.
While most people recover from Bell’s palsy within a few months, your treatment plan may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and how quickly you begin therapy.
Recovery Process of Bell’s Palsy
The recovery period for Bell’s palsy is different for every individual. Usually, the symptoms start to resolve in the second or third week, and the patient makes a complete recovery in three to six months. However, the time is longer for some, and a small percentage may experience lingering symptoms or partial recovery.
Early Recovery
In the first few weeks, the focus is mainly on stabilizing your condition and avoiding worsening complications. When the inflammation decreases, facial muscles may gradually start functioning again. During this stage, frequent physical therapy exercises can help prevent muscle stiffness and nerve healing.
Full Recovery
About 85% of cases are resolved, with the function of the affected side of the face returning to normal within six months of onset. The pace and extent of recovery may depend on factors such as your age, the severity of paralysis, and the time the treatment began.
Long-Term Outlook
Bell’s palsy can have lingering complications for some people. This complication may include minor facial asymmetry, muscle weakness, and involuntary movements like twitches or spasms. If you do not recover to the physical state you had before the accident within six months, then you need to be referred to another doctor or hospital.
Maintaining close follow-up with your health care provider or physical therapist is key, especially in ensuring that any changes in the processes are considered.
How to Prevent Bell’s Palsy
Regrettably, there is no known method of preventing Bell’s palsy, as the root cause of this condition has not been well established. However, specific actions that may be useful to help reduce the risk include measures that will enhance your general well-being and decrease the possibility of coming across the triggers. Here are a few recommendations:
Maintain a Healthy Immune System
Since viral infections are associated with Bell’s palsy, it is also advisable to strengthen one's immune system. This entails exercising, eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, and obtaining adequate sleep.
Manage Stress
Stress is known to lower immunity, making the body prone to reinfection by viruses. It is also essential to learn how to cope with stress by employing relaxation methods like yoga or meditation to decrease your risk of Bell’s palsy.
Control Underlying Health Conditions
If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or hypertension, then ensure your doctor manages your condition well. Optimal control of chronic diseases can reduce your chances of developing nerve-related disorders such as Bell’s palsy.
Vaccinations
Influenza or chickenpox are some of the infections that may cause Bell’s palsy, and therefore, keeping up with regular vaccinations for viruses can help.
However, although these steps cannot prevent you from developing Bell’s palsy, they can minimize some of the risk factors that lead to the condition.
How Long Bell’s Palsy Takes to Heal
Bell’s palsy healing process varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the nerve damage and the time when treatment begins. It is usually a self-limiting condition, and most patients start to improve two to three weeks after the initial onset of the symptoms.
Mild Cases
Most times, the symptoms are mild and disappear several weeks later, with complete recovery taking between three to six months. The nerve gradually recovers, and muscles in your face function normally as the inflammation decreases.
Severe Cases
In more severe cases, however, where the facial nerve has been badly affected, recovery could take much longer, and some symptoms might remain with you for months or even years in some cases. Some patients may have a slow recovery and may develop muscle weakness or remain with asymmetric facial movement.
Find a Las Vegas Physical Therapist Near Me
Bell’s palsy can be an overwhelming condition, but with the proper support and treatment, most people recover fully. Early intervention, guided physical therapy, and appropriate care are essential for improving your chances of a full recovery and minimizing complications. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Bell’s palsy, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled and knowledgeable physical therapist.
At Suarez Physical Therapy, we have experience treating Bell’s palsy patients. We ensure the patient regains the use of the affected facial muscles. Our team in Las Vegas is committed to providing you with top-tier care to ensure a smooth recovery process. Call us today at 702-368-6778 to book a consultation and start the healing process.
