FAQ of Bell's Palsy and Facial Paralysis.

What is Bell's Palsy?

Bell's Palsy is a non permanent condition caused by trauma to the seventh cranial nerve in your brain. Bells palsy will result in your facial muscles becoming weaker or paralyzed altogether.

Over 75% of facial paralysis cases are caused by Bell's Palsy.

The seventh cranial nerve is the nerve that controls your eye blinking and many of your expressions such as smiling or frowning. Additionally, the seventh cranial nerve carries messages to your tear and saliva glands, as well as a nerve in your tongue that allows you to taste.

There is some confusion that Bell's Palsy is related to a stroke, it is not. Bell's Palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. Typically Bell's Palsy will only affect the paired facial nerves on one side of your face, not both except in rare situations.

Why do we call it Bell's Palsy?

Over 200 years ago there was a Scottish surgeon named Sir Charles Bell. Sir Charles Bell was deeply involved in the studying of facial nerves. Since he was one of the first practitioners to study the facial nerves, Bell's Palsy was then named after him.

How many people have Bell's Palsy?

Bell's Palsy affects more people than you might believe. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, Bells Palsy affects close to 40,000 Americans each year. Bell's Palsy is not gender specific and can affect men and women both. There are some conditions which seems to trigger Bell's Palsy like, being pregnant, having diabetes, or having respiratory problems such as the flu or a cold.

What are the symptoms of facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy?

Bell's Palsy has a wide range of symptoms which can range from mild weakness in the face to total facial paralysis. Some of us may twitch, have weakness on one or both sides of our face, which is accompanied by a drooping of our eyelid, taste impairment, dry mouth and eyes, and tearing in one eye. Many of the symptoms come on quickly and peak within two or three days.

How do I know I have Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis?

Although there is no specific laboratory examination that can confirm Bell's Palsy, The Institute for Facial Paralysis has techniques that are based in clinical trials to diagnose if you or a loved one have facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy.

At The Institute for Facial Paralysis we will examine your upper and lower facial movements. We may also perform an ENG test to see if you have had nerve damage in your forehead, mouth or eyelid areas. Other tools such as an x-ray or an MRI can also be used to see if there is pressure or damage to your facial nerves. The Facial Paralysis Institute has a specialty damage surgery and therapy staff on hand for the exacting requirements we need.

How do you treat facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy?

Although there is no cut and dry cure for facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy there are several measures that we can take to reverse the effects of facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy. The most important thing we must do when dealing with facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy is to eliminate the source causing the nerve damage.

People suffering from Bell's Palsy and facial paralysis are affected differently. Some people may have mild effects and not require surgery. For other patients surgery may be the only other viable alternative. Medication along with physical therapy treatment may also be recommended.

Some studies have shown that steroids can be an effective treatment for Bell's Palsy and facial paralysis. The Institute for Facial Paralysis may consider steroid therapy as a consideration. Steroid treatment is believed to aid patients in recovery because the steroids reduce the inflammation and swelling in the face and possibly reduce the damage done to facial nerves.

Physical therapy is a big part of recovering from facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy. It is possible for Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis to prevent you from blinking your eyes normally, which leaves eyes dry and irritated.

The Institute for Facial Paralysis takes a unique approach to each and every patient that they treat. Dr. Azizzadeh the Director of The Institute for Facial Paralysis believes we need to look at all our options in order to get the most effective treatment for you. For severe cases of facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy surgery may be the most effective option, but we also look at other treatments such as steroids, acupuncture, physical Therapy, facial massage techniques as well as newer techniques such as Botox which is shown to be effective. Dr. Azizzadeh is one the pioneers in Botox treatment for facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy.

Where can I get more information about treatment with The Institute for Facial Paralysis ?

The Institute for Facial Paralysis and Director Babak Azizzadeh are the leading experts in the field. If you would like to figure out what your options are for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to contact us using the form located on the right side of this page.

If you're from out of the area or have trouble getting around, The Institute for Facial Paralysis also offers an online consultation live with Dr. Azizzadeh to make things easy and comfortable for you. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible for the best possible outcome.