Bell's Palsy

Question: Has anybody heard of or sought alternative medicine for Bell's Palsy? I have had Bell's PAlsy for 3 years now. It was severe at first but now is about 70% recovered. I still have ear pain and my mouth is visibly droopy (a bit) I believe the nerves did not heal properly as my eye waters and partially closes when I smile. I'm tired of doing nothing and was interested in accupuncture, cupping or herbal remedies. I heard that in China there are many 'ancient' treatments. Can anybody help? Thanks!

Answer: Try Edgar Cayce's wet cell appliance, medically known as iontophoresis. Alternate gold chloride(nerve regeneration) and colloidal silver(kills or weakens bacteria and viruses-most common cause of Bell's Palsy). Contact the A.R.E. Clinic(757-428-3588). A TENS unit or similiar muscle-nerve stimulator, massage with a vibrator, and a heating pad will also help.Supplements that help are vitamins(whole complex-antioxidants and nerve support) and Flaxseed oil and fish oil, both for external massage, and, as capsules for internal use to fight inflammation. Vinpocetine/Gingka Biloba tablets improve blood flow for nerve support.Aloe Vera Juice(allantoin in the juice, doubles to triples cell division, providing nerve support) as a massage and/or internal use, may be of benifit. Hydrocortisone cream melted in 99.99% liquid DMSO can be massaged into and around the ear to fight inflammation-use caution and do NOT use more than 2-3 days, then lay off for a week. All of the above are WELL DOCUMENTED, not hearsay.Clyde Nassif, CMA,Holistic Consultant, www.naturescorner.com

Question: What is the likelihood of acquiring Bell's Palsy? So today, I visited my grandfather, and when I came home I found out he had Bell's Palsy and also learned that it is transmitted by a virus. What are the chances that I acquired it within my two hour stay? I am 17 by the way.

Answer: They believe that Bells Palsy could be caused by the cold or flu virus. It developes as a secondary condition so there is no way that you can catch Bells Palsy from your grandfather. However you might could catch the cold or flu if that is how it started with your grandfather. There are other factors that may cause Bells Palsy such as diabetes and even things like lyme disease. Pregnant women are in a high risk group to acquire this as well. There is even some belief now that a type of herpes virus can cause Bells Palsy. Ive written a few articles on Bells Palsy. Why dont you check them over. Dont worry ... no chances of you catching it. :-) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article… http://www.associatedcontent.com/article… http://www.associatedcontent.com/article… Hope your grandfather is back to normal soon.

Question: Do previous history of Bell's Palsy is a risk factor for a stroke? My aunt had Bell's palsy two years back and recovered fully. Recently, she was diagnosed with stroke.

Answer: I don't think her having Bells Palsy is a contributing factor to her stroke. Nothing that I have read about Bells Palsy suggests stroke as a complication.

Question: How can I accelerate the healing of Bell's Palsy? I am currently having a third onset of Bell's Palsy. This time I am pregnant so I can't take medication. I am currently trying out accupuncture. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer: The best thing you can do for treating Bells Palsy is to simply let it run it's course, Facial exercise can actually cause the nerves to regrow in the wrong places, though that would be a rare case, it is possible. The best thing you can do is simply let your face rest, as it is regrowing/reattaching nerves in your face, and moving can hinder that when you don't need to move it.

Question: How common is bell's palsy in an eleven year old? My son has been diganoised with Bell's Palsy. I am wanting to know is it brought on by something in particular?

Answer: The cause of Bell's palsy is not clear. Experts believe some cases may be linked to the herpes virus that causes cold sores. In most cases of Bell's palsy, the nerve that controls muscles on either side of the face is damaged by inflammation. Many health problems can cause weakness or paralysis of the face. If a specific reason cannot be found for the weakness, the condition is called Bell's palsy. The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. The extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within 2 weeks after the initial onset of symptoms and recover completely within 3 to 6 months.

Question: Can my doctor be sure I have Bell's Palsy without an MRI or CT? The urgent care doc diagnosed me with Bell's Palsy and so did my primary care physician today. Is it bad that they didn't do a CT or MRI? My doc said that she's sure it's Bell's Palsy and didn't see a reason to do an MRI or CT.

Answer: Bells palsy is temporary form of paralysis of facial nerve which regulates movements of facial muscles. Bells palsy can be very well diagnosed by thorough medical history ,clinical examination of patient including distorted facial appearance,ear- examination and ruling out other causes of facial paralysis/paresis. Usually CT/MRI not required but sometimes if there is doubt or doctor needs to evaluate and exclude other causes of pressure on facial nerve he may advice CT/MRI along with EMG ( study of electrical activity of muscle in response to nerve stimulation).

Question: If someone has Bell's Palsy and their acoustic reflex is presnet but elevated, what would their prognosis be? Does anyone know anything about Bell's Palsy...please let me know where I can find info about this. Thanks!

Answer: I have had Bells Palsy since May 2007. I have gained 80 percent of my movement back but still suffer with lingering effects in my mouth and eye. I was told by the ER doc that in most cases a prognosis is very good and most get all or nearly all movement back. I wrote an article about my experience if your interested. Best of luck to you with your Bells Palsy. One thing I thought I might mention. Its not in my article but some believe vitamin B-12 shots can really help speed the healing process along... Confronting Bell's Palsy: An Informative Look at Symptoms, Treatment, and How I Cope http://decenturl.com/associatedcontent/c…

Question: Considering Joining Navy, I have a medical question about Bell's Palsy? Hello, I am considering joining the Navy after I finish up College next year. I came down with Bell's Palsy 7 years ago from Lyme Disease and have since recovered with minor synkinesis. Does anyone have any experience with Bell's palsy and the military and how the handle this? Also whether I would be able to get a medical waiver for this history? Thanks!

Answer: I am not too sure about this one. I had a "shipmate" that had been in the marines before joining the Navy and he had been shot in the back in Iraq which caused him facial spasms from the nerve damage. I know that he was obviously able to join but they wouldn't allow him to be special forces.Go talk to a recruiter they will help you immensely. Good luck.

Question: Can Bell's Palsy last for only an hour or two? A person I know had a scary thing happen. Her ears popped and got "stuck" kind of (like in an airplane) with severe ear pain. Then we noticed that her face was droopy and it got progressively worse. She went to the hospital and before she got in her ears popped and the droopiness stopped. She opted not to go in the hospital. Is this characteristic of Bell's Palsy or could it be something else. She has had a sinus infection of sort in the last couple weeks. Thanks!

Answer: My daughter has it & when it acts up it's usually 24-48 hrs b-4 it improves

Question: What accupuncture points should I stimulate to fight bell's palsy? I am of the opinion that acupressure can enhance the effects of traditional physioteraphy. My question is - what acu-points can I press or massage by myself to get better from this horrible condition?

Answer: See an accupuncturist. This is not the sort of question that can be answered via the internet.

Question: How long will my Bell's Palsy last? The begining of the week I had the most awful pain in the back of my head near my left ear. Then on Monday night my face started to go funny and the first thing that went through my mind was I have had a stroke, which I later found out it's Bell's Palsy. My face has got worse I can not close my eye so I tape it together at night and I can not smile right. has anyone else had experiences with this if so how long should I expect to be this way?

Answer: It may take a few weeks to several months for your Bell's palsy to get better. Most people have no long-lasting symptoms of Bell's palsy once it gets better. Some people may recover and then have Bell's palsy again months or years later. Some people may have life-long problems.

Question: How long does Bell's palsy last? I have bells palsy, my eye can shut but just not squeeze it shut. My right side of of my lip also does not move when I smile. I have senior pictures in about 2 weeks. Im not worried about my eye because you cant tell my eye but my smile you can really tell. Do you think it will heal up in 2 weeks? I am also on 2 medications that are suppose to help? Any experience or any help or stories of recovery would be greatly appreciated!! Little uneasy about the whole thing!!

Answer: For starters, you need to stop stressing, because that is going to make it worse. Once you are on your meds, I am assuming they put you on some sort of steroid and/or antiviral, I don't think there is any way to determine how long it will last. You need to take your medicine and relax. Move the picture date would be your best bet since it is so iffy regarding the healing time. www.mayoclinic.com says you can massage the paralyzed muscles as well, but I don't know if that shortens the healing time. here is what else it said that I am too lazy to type: Some people with Bell's palsy may benefit from: Relaxation techniques Acupuncture Biofeedback training Vitamin therapy — specifically B-12, B-6 and zinc (www.mayoclinic.com) Good luck

Question: What caused my relapse of Bell's Palsy? I am 16 and had bell's palsy due to a minor stroke. I heard that by causing stress to the nerves you can have a reoccurring of this.My mother was a very violent and physical punisher. I did have a relapse and I want to know if by when she would hit me and punch me in my face,whether or not it could have been the cause for the relapse. A good weblink stating it can would help in court : )

Answer: I have had Bells Palsy Many things can cause it but a trauma or injury to the facial nerve is one cause. This nerve is located behind the ear. Other causes have been linked to diabetes. It occurs many times in individuals who have recently suffered with the flu or some viral type of infection such as a cold. Recent research suggests that there is a connection between Bells Palsy and a type of the herpes virus. This quote is from the website I have listed and it lists physical trauma: "The triggers for reactivation of the virus prior to the onset of Bell's palsy have not been proven conclusively. Impaired immunity, whether temporary (stress, lack of sleep, minor illness, physical trauma, upper respiratory infection, etc.) or long-term (autoimmune syndromes, chronic disease, etc.) are strongly targeted as the most likely triggers" http://www.bellspalsy.ws/cause.htm

Question: Can anyone tell me the difference between Bell's palsy and Facial palsy or they are the same?

Answer: Bell's palsy is a form of facial nerve palsy. The cause of Bell's palsy has not been clearly identified though a number of viruses have been proposed. Treatment is with steroids. If its Bell's palsy recovery is usually good but can be incomplete. Recovery from other facial nerve palsies will depend on the specifics. Edit: Facial palsy is not the "symptom" it is dysfunction of the facial nerve and Bell's palsy is one of many causes of facial palsy. Bell's palsy is not due to trauma in the vast majority if not all cases. The diagnosis is made by excluding all the other causes of facial palsy.

Question: What specifically can cause Bell's Palsy? is there anything that can be done to speed up the recovery process? i read it can be permanent sometimes, is that only in certain specific situations (cutting of the facial nerve was included in the definition) or can it just come on randomly (due to inflammation) & be permanent? could it be caused by pregnancy? or a cold? or a combination? can anything be done to speed up the recovery process, if you can't get a steroid & antiviral injection? (rest, Tylenol, anything??) thanks!!

Answer: Most often Facial nerve paralysis is due to a reactivation of Herpes infection that causes swelling in the facial nerve as it exits the brain thru the bony Internal Auditory Canal (IAC). It gets pinched and therefore gets "short-circuited". Getting run down or "stressed" can increase the chances of getting it but no, there really is no big cause. I've had plenty of patients that were pregnant that have had it and we did give steroids and anti-virals (depending on the tri-mester). If it is not improving within 10-14 days you need to be following up. Any eye symptoms and you need to see an ophthalmologist especially if you can't close your eye all the way. Good luck and be assured to know that 90-95% get better.

Question: Is my dads Bell's palsy & vision loss caused by herpes? I had a theory. A couple months ago, my dad was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. He also needs a cornea transplant. I was thinking that since Bell's palsy is caused by herpes simplex, could the vision loss be herpes keratitis?

Answer: j_stro3 , I think your assuming that your dads Bells Palsy is caused by the herpes virus. There are many things that cause Bells Palsy and a form of the herpes virus left over from chicken pox is one. However, many times there are other factors that figure into this as well. For example, Diabetics are more out to get Bells Palsy as well as pregnant women. Sometimes it can be caused by a trauma or even a cold or flu virus. My Bells Palsy happened after a bout with the flu. Many times, the manifestation of Bells Palsy is just never known without a shadow of a doubt. Its a guessing game. Not knowing the exactle cause of your dads Bells Palsy would make it very difficult to even speculate about his eye problems. In any event something that important needs to be properly evaluated by trained professionals. I hope your dads Bells Palsy is better and will cross my fingers about his eye issues as well. Have a Happy New Year j_stro3. Blair