Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is defined as a sudden paralysis on one side of face. It is common in individuals residing in cold countries.

Common causes:

• Inflammation of facial nerve
• Infection in oral cavity
• Hereditary
• TMJ disorder
• Tumors
• Autoimmune disease
• Smoking
• Ear infection
• Facial trauma
• Cold or flu

Symptoms:

•  Dry eye
•  Corner of the mouth droop
•  Frequency of tears decreases
•  Patient is not able to speak and smile properly
•  Numbness or weakness on one side of mouth
•  Patient is not able to close eye and mouth properly.

Treatment:

In many cases Bell’s palsy get resolved in few weeks. Massage of facial muscle, eye drops and the treatment of underlying cause can treat Bell's palsy. Eyes should be covered as eye is not closing properly so to prevent the chances of infection in open eye is more.