Bell's Palsy often known as facial palsy is a neurological disorder affecting the facial region. In this condition, the face muscles become weak and in some cases paralysed. Patients suffering from Bell's Palsy often have a drooping appearance or stiffness. Although symptoms associated with Bell's palsy is confused with stroke, there is a significant difference in the aetiology of both.

WHAT CAUSES BELL'S PALSY

Bell's Palsy is caused by damage or trauma to the seventh cranial nerve also known as the facial nerve. When the nerve, which has to pass through a very small area in the skull is damaged, inflammatory responses occur causing the nerve to push against the skull.

KEY FEATURES OF CRANIAL NERVE VII

• Motor function: Innervates the muscles of facial expression, the posterior belly of the digastric, the stylohyoid and the stapedius muscles.
• Sensory: A small area located around the conchae of the auricle.
• Taste: Provides special taste sensation called as the "Umami taste" to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.
• Parasympathetic: Supplies many of the glands of the head and neck, including Submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.Nasal, Palatine and pharyngeal mucous glands.

RISK FACTORS

• People with diabetes or viral infections are at higher risk to get Bell’s palsy.
• Conditions that compromise the immune system such as HIV increase the risk of Bell's palsy.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary, but most patients experience trouble closing their eyes or blinking, excessive tears, drooling, difficulty in chewing and tasting foods, twitching and pain or numbness behind the ear.

TREATMENT

• There is no medication to stop it. However, if the condition is triggered by a virus, antiviral medications are prescribed.
• Corticosteriod therapy
• Eye massage
• Facial exercises
• Accupuncture
• PRP therapy has become successful in replacing steroid therapy for Bell's Palsy.