Bells palsy which nerve

These include the following:. Recovery time may vary depending on the severity of nerve damage. In general, however, people can see an improvement within two weeks after the initial onset of symptoms. In rare cases, symptoms may continue to return or may be permanent. Prompt treatment can help speed up your recovery time and prevent any complications. The ailment can affect 1 in 60 people during their lifetime. Recurrent herpes simplex labialis is a condition of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Brain and nerves. Home Brain and nerves. Bell's palsy. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, with young adults of either sex more susceptible for unknown reasons.

The facial nerve services the muscles of the face, the ear, salivary and tear glands, and provides some of the sensations of taste on the tongue. This nerve enters the skull via a small opening in the petrous temporal bone at the base of the skull. What causes Bell's palsy? These are the most common symptoms of Bell's palsy: Disordered movement of the muscles that control facial expressions, such as smiling, squinting, blinking, or closing the eyelid Loss of feeling in the face Headache Tearing Drooling Loss of the sense of taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue Hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear hyperacusis Inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face The symptoms of Bell's palsy may look like other conditions or medical problems.

How is Bell's palsy diagnosed? These tests may include: Electromyography EMG to determine the extent of the nerve involvement Blood tests to determine if another condition such as diabetes or Lyme disease is present Magnetic resonance imaging MRI or computed tomography CT to determine if there is a structural cause for your symptoms.

How is Bell's palsy treated? Other treatment options include: Steroids to reduce inflammation Antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir Analgesics or moist heat to relieve pain Physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve Some people may choose to use alternative therapies in the treatment of Bell's palsy, but there is no proof they make a difference in recovery.

Such treatment may include: Relaxation Acupuncture Electrical stimulation Biofeedback training Vitamin therapy, including B12, B6, and the mineral zinc What are the complications of Bell's palsy? When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about Bell's palsy Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis that usually resolves on its own and causes no complications.

It is associated with other conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms of facial weakness or paralysis get worse over the first few days and start to improve in about 2 weeks. It can take 3 to 6 months to fully resolve. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. The facial muscles may remain weak, causing the face to droop. If symptoms have been present less than 48 hours, a corticosteroid, such as prednisone , is given by mouth to reduce swelling of the nerve. Taking a corticosteroid slightly speeds and improves recovery of movement. Whether antiviral drugs help is unclear—even the antiviral drugs that are effective against common causes of Bell palsy, such as acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir , which are used to treat the herpes simplex virus and the virus that causes shingles.

However, antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed in addition to a corticosteroid. Whether this combination is more effective than a corticosteroid alone is unclear. If the eye cannot close completely, it must be protected from dryness to reduce the risk of eye damage. Eye drops consisting of artificial tears or a salt saline solution are applied to the eye until it can close completely. People may need to wear an eye patch some of the time, particularly during sleep. Rarely, in severe cases, the upper and lower eyelids are sewn together.

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Common Health Topics. Cranial Nerve Disorders. Test your knowledge. More Content. The cause may be a viral infection or an immune disorder that causes the facial nerve to swell.

With or without treatment, most people recover completely within several months. Did You Know