• Bell's palsy usually a mild condition

  General news   2006-12-13 21:13 by jack

  Although it sounds exotic, Bell's palsy isn't all that rare, occurring in 1 of every 4,000 adults per year. Although sounds very serious, it�s usually a mild condition. Caused by the inflammation of the facial, or seventh, cranial nerve, it begins abruptly with a weakness on one side of the face.
  
  Many patients have pain behind the ear on the affected side of the face. A less common symptom is a diminished sense of taste on half the tongue. Because the eyelid muscles are weak, patients can't blink or close their eyes fully, so eye dryness and irritation can be troublesome. The weakness involves the entire face from head to chin, but it ranges in severity from mild weakness to nearly complete paralysis. About 85 percent of patients recover completely, but improvement can take several months. Facial weakness can sometimes persist. Neurologists are not sure what causes the facial nerve inflammation, but herpes simplex type I is the leading candidate; it's the virus that causes common cold sores, not the infamous type II herpes virus that causes genital infections.
  
  Although most patients recover on their own, medication can improve the outcome. Most neurologists prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir) for five to seven days along with a powerful anti-inflammatory such as prednisone for seven to 10 days. Unlike cold sores, which often recur, Bell's palsy is usually a once-in-a-lifetime event.
  
  President And Fellows Of Harvard College
  
  Star-Telegram.com

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