What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is caused by inflammation of the facial nerve and is not related to brain problems, unlike facial paralysis from a stroke, where brain damage affects areas controlling facial nerves. To understand Bell’s palsy, one must know the anatomy and functions of the facial nerve.
The Facial Nerve
The facial nerve controls facial expressions, taste sensations on the tongue, tear production, tympanic tuning, and saliva secretion. Each facial nerve is located on one side of the brain. Before reaching the face, a branch crosses over to innervate the opposite side, which may leave the brain. This anatomical detail explains peripheral facial nerve injury, or Bell’s palsy.
How It Occurs
Bell’s palsy can result from trauma or viral infections, affecting over 70% of people. It is common yet not widely known and can affect any gender, age, or ethnicity, though rare before age 15.
Bell’s palsy is caused by the Herpes simplex virus, which also causes genital and oral herpes. This virus can damage the facial nerve, making it swollen, inflamed, and compressed within the skull bones, reducing its ability to transmit nerve impulses.
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Symptoms
–> Inability to wrinkle the forehead
–> Inability to raise one eyebrow
–> Inability to smile
–> Inability to fully close one eye
–> Loss of expression on one side of the face
Treatment
Bell’s palsy usually resolves within six months. Treatment requires physiotherapy or speech therapy sessions.
Physiotherapy is essential for treating Bell’s palsy, helping prevent permanent muscle contraction and restoring function and strength through exercises.
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Prosense Director:
Dr. Michelle Coutinho Atherton
Founder – CEO – Neurofunctional Physiotherapist
Master in Neurology, UFMG
CREFITO: 118113F