I just went out of the country and brought some steroids with me (per my doctors suggestion) just in case I had a recurrence. P.O. 6. Its quite frustrating to see that its not getting better. Im undergoing Chinese medicine+Accupuncture treatments and physio and after session 5 I got part of my smile back. Facial nerve palsy. Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke, but it can cause similar symptoms. It mostly affects only one side of the face and can result in the face looking uneven. This paralysis usually begins suddenly and reaches peak paralysis within 48 hours. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. I have drops and am trying to get use to them. A diagnosis of Bell's palsy is made based on clinical presentationacute facial nerve weakness or paralysis on one side of the face with onset in less than 72 hoursand by ruling out other possible causes of facial paralysis. We try our best not to make mistakes; however, if typographical errors appear in our site, we cannot be held responsible. My doctor had scheduled me for a CT scan in 4 days to eliminate anything else. Ive already been on medical leave from work for 20 days now, my project has been delayed, and I really dont want to further prolong my absence. My question is have you heard of others keep their eye taped shut during the day? Get facial massage. I am happy that you are recovered and you gave me hope. Bell's palsy is a weakness (paralysis) that affects the nerve fibres that control the muscles of the face. So sorry to hear about your Mam. I am a woman of faith and a firm believer of prayer. Hi Paola, I had the exact same situation . Do you know of anything he can try? But I really want help with stuff to do and not do to help as its my sons 2nd Birthday in 2 weeks and I want to look normal for it and have my smile back for his big day or Ill have to reschedule it for a month later to give myself more time to heal . I was about the same. (to avoid the overwork of these muscles and the respective intensification of the synkinesis) If you would every be interested in sharing your story on my blog, I would love to feature it. Antiviral agents (in addition to steroids) might increase the probability of recovery of facial function, although their benefit has not been clearly established. She said I have all the textbook/classic symptoms of it. Left untreated, 70-75% of patients make a full recovery. Form Approved OMB# 0925-0648 Exp. High-dose corticosteroids should be administered in all patients in the absence of significant contraindications. 10. Thank you so much for sharing and Im so sorry youre having to go through this. Drooping of the face, such as the eyelid or corner of the mouth. I was told to rest, rest, rest. include protected health information. It happens when the cranial nerve that controls your facial muscles . . If it is in the first 2 weeks then everything Ive read and the specialist I went to said do not overwork or overstimulate the nerve. Try to eat softer food items like pasta, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, well-cooked meat or fish, etc. Im willing to bet you want simple, easy food that tastes delicious, that you know is healthy so you dont have to stress about portion sizes and arguing about no thank you bites. Bell's palsy is a rare condition that affects the facial nerve and muscles. Now my case is mild (so far) hoping it doesnt get worse. I rely on telling myself it could have been a serious stroke so count your blessings. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Omega-6 fatty acids serve as precursors to mediators of inflammation, and foods rich in omega-6 may promote inflammation. Hemifacial spasms are a rare neurological disorder. If you have any questions or contributions, please contact us via email or phone call. I was playing a lot of internet chess and competitive tennis, and being very competitive, both of these things were fun but stressful at the same time. Yes, it's possible to overdose on caffeine and doing so may cause your lips to twitch. Disclosure, Privacy Policy & Disclaimer, Published: Holly, this is so informative and a great insight into your life. Accessed March 3, 2022. Carol, I am actually looking for the same thing. Bell's palsy may have an inflammatory component, and severe cases are usually treated with corticosteroids, which exert anti-inflammatory effects. I had lost her name so I appreciate you sharing. Bell's palsy is most common in people aged 15-45, although it can affect . Office of Communications and Public Liaison Bell's Palsy, or Bell Palsy, is facial paralysis which is caused by dysfunction of Cranial Nerve VII, the Facial Nerve. I always keep in mind there are more people out there with bigger challenges. You MUST sleep for the nerve to regenerate. Because of possible drug interactions, individuals taking prescription medicines should always talk to their doctors before taking any over-the-counter drugs. Hi Holley Honestly, Melinda, Im not sure. Thank you for the blog. It affects only one side of the . I was diagnosed with Bells Palsey just before this last Thanksgiving. I keep thinking, what if this treatment doesnt work, what if they find that its something horrible??? For example, every time I blink, my bp side has contraction just under my nostril, inside my cheek & below my bottom lip I get a dimple. There may be benefit in adding an antiviral . Eye care is essential for patients with incomplete eye closure ( algorithm 1 ). Like yourself I also had Bells Palsy around 10 years ago. "The authors translate this to an 8-week . Ive been doing acupuncture twice a week, Electronic stimulation at home every other day, vibrating facial massage every other day, and facial exercises everyday but its been 2 weeks and I cant see any significant improvement. Rosy 4 of BP for me. Bells palsy affects about 40,000 people in the United States every year. Im just worried though that once I finish this course of prednisone again, the BP will recur. There are very few answers out there. I dont look like Quasimodo anymore, lol., but it seems to have hit a plateau in the recovery process. Some individuals with co-existing conditions may not respond well to or be able to take steroid drugs. Bethesda, MD 20824 Ive ready many time where others with BP use them and were fine. EASIER! The inconvenience or annoyance of things like taking so much longer to eat and his jaw pain is getting to him. Bell's palsy; Caffeine intoxication ; Moving a muscle in the face; However, there are situations when there is no apparent cause, and doctors term the ailment as idiopathic hemifacial spasms. In severe acute cases, combining antiviral therapy with glucocorticoids may improve outcomes. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Thank you for sharing your experience and the helpful tips. In the early days using a straw was the only way I could get any nourishment. I was diagnosed last night also and very similar to you. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. My symptoms started with pain behind my ear which I thought was a swollen gland, I then realized my left eye would not close an my mouth was droopy. Risk factors for Bells palsy include pregnancy, preeclampsia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and upper respiratory ailments. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Bells-Palsy-Fact-Sheet. For some people it can be very quick while for others it is a much slower process. I can do a lot of my work from home, so that wouldnt be out of the question. This is my second bout with BP. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It can occur at any age. . Im so sorry! . https://www.facebook.com/groups/BellsPalsySupport/, Start a steroid regimen within the first 72 hours (earlier if possible) (I took a very high dose, 15-day course of prednisone), Start an antiviral regimen within the first 72 hours (earlier if possible) (I was on a very high does of Valtrex 2x per day). Does it take a pause and then start to get better again? Bell's palsy is a nerve problem that affects the muscles of your face. Id love some of that research! I was actually told I had a severe case and would not improve. Every case is so different. Hi i have had Belpalsy since age 12yrs old. I had already started feeling numbness on the right side of my face and started noticing that my right eye wasnt blinking along with the left. Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Please keep me posted! This suggests that Bell's palsy might have something to do with your genes. In Bell's palsy, that nerve becomes inflamed and swollen usually related to a viral infection. I think Im at least 75% better and Im not giving up. Driving makes it worse even with sunglasses. My eye doesnt close all the way, and I have trouble eating and I have to drink from a straw or I make a huge mess. Keeping the eye moist and protecting it from debris and injury, especially at night, is important. Was diagnosed with BP yesterday. I thought itd be 3 months before I noticed an improvement, but I noticed improvement in 2 weeks and the other improvements came on rapidly after that. Also if I have a headache it shows in my eye. Bell's palsy, also called facial palsy, is sudden, but usually temporary, facial paralysis or weakness that happens on one side of the face. I have an app with a neurologist tomorrow. Did I call 911, of course not I was preparing to drive myself to the ER. Based on my research and what my doctors told me, resting and allowing time for your nerve to regenerate are key. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. It will be fine.. Just try to keep calm as stress makes it worse. Hello Holley, So I went to ER and have started proper medical treatment. This is a great question though and one I havent been asked before. Ive been prescribed prednisone and an antiviral for 10-days, picked up gel drops and a box of patches. It involves damage to the cranial (facial) nerve, which controls the muscles used for blinking and facial expressions. Do you know of other supplements that may help the healing process? However, being away from home has not been restful. Impaired hearing or sense of taste. Thank you! I talked to a friend that is a plastic surgeon and he suggested doing some physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around my brow and forehead. Your email address will not be published. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves over weeks. Then on Monday as the day progressed, I noticed my right eye was bothering me. I first noticed a couple nights ago when I went to brush my teeth and thats when I realized I couldnt gargle water in my mouth without it spilling out. They can range from mild to severe and include: Twitching. Although it generally only affects one side of the face, it can affect both sides in rare instances. There not a lot online about BP and this is the first thing Ive found thats from a personal point of view instead of from a doctor who has never lived through it. Clinical evidence of improvement occurs spontaneously within three weeks in 85 percent of cases, and most individuals eventually recover normal facial function. I now can not eat or drink or swallow and my speech is muffled. I was having trouble getting the links on your site to work. Now, Im a healthy person. I had a great support system from friends and family and I am quite a resilient person. However the duration of the illness varies depending on the person . Covering multi staff who really dont do enough (not joking) and then take days off. Will keep watching from web and Instagram. The 5 Musts-Dos When First Diagnosed with Bells Palsy: 8 Tips and Takeaways When First Diagnosed with Bells Palsy. Listening to the UK Blessing on YouTube gave me peace, starting a meditation practice using the Serenity app helped me feel I atleast had control over my breathing & helps my stress which is what triggered the BP and I found a Hypnosis Healing Meditation on YouTube to help me visualize well-being. But it becomes blurry for a while and returns back to normal. Has come to this. Especially as I have had two children since. I have had it three times in two years. Bell's palsy treatment options. Pain? They pretty immediately suspected BP because he has ear and jaw pain and because they said with a stroke, the facial muscles from the eye down are paralyzed and with BP, the forehead is affected as well. . Early treatment with prednisolone increases the chance of complete recovery of facial function to 82%. Weakness. Hopefully, you will heal quickly so youre able to get back to work ASAP. Fax: 203-798-2291, National Library of Medicine I was diagnosed with Lyme disease back in 1983 and this seems to be the cause of the Bells palsy. This nerve goes through a narrow passage within the skull. It was terrible frustrating. . There arent many things that are as annoying as that. Also known as Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Palsy, it is named after Sir Charles Bell [1774 to 1842], who was a Scottish surgeon, neurologist and anatomist. DR Vitamin Solutions 7804 N Harwood Rd North Richland Hills, TX 76180 Tel:888-432-5824 | Email:info@drvitaminsolutions.com. It is the most common cause of facial paralysis. I dont want to go out or to see family, or to go to school, I feel like everyone will just be staring at my eye that wont blink, and the smile that isnt right. In extreme cases, this dryness can result in eye damage or even blindness. 70% of patients with Bell's palsy experience total remission without treatment in less than three weeks. Susan, Thank you for letting me know. Bells palsy has a funny way of making you feel isolated, depressed, mad, scared, selfish, withdrawn, embarrassed, hopeless, unattractive, debilitated, stressed out, exhausted, in pain, impatient, annoyed, frustratedand the list goes on and on. I was using a straw but after reading another post I think Ill refrain and figure another way. Happy to provide some studies if you would like. P.S.- At the end of the day, we are health-nerds here at DR Vitamin Solutions. Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. The condition may also make it difficult to close the eye on the affected side of your face. These posts here are very encouraging, But Id like to know whether you have any other advice on what someone, like me, who have had bells for 1-year and 8 months, can do? It can appear in the space of a few hours and . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Have Some Ginger and Turmeric. My therapist and doctor told me to wait 2 weeks before starting anything that might stress the nerve and result in synkinesis. Then use this free money on your next purchase! However, normal is so hard to define because I know many with BP (especially those that have had it for years) have to find a new normal. Bell's palsy is the most common mononeuropathy that causes acute unilateral facial paralysis or paresis. Thanks for posting this ???????? I went to the hospital immediately, started taking the steroids and anti viral right away, and went for acupuncture. Its kind of awkward to eat and drink but manageable. Hi Holley, I was diagnosed with bells last night. Is this an emergency? There is no cure for the virus, which may reactivate through sun exposure or by eating certain foods. Im from Australia and the doctor only prescribed me steroids for 5 days and said it will just heal with time. A suggested dose is 40 to 80 mg daily until symptoms subside. Symptoms of Bell's palsy can vary from person to person and range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. Drooling due to lack of control over the muscles of the face. Bell's Palsy Causes and Symptoms. Hopefully it doesnt last long. Then I need better control of the facial exercises Im doing. Hope you are well on your road to recovery. My main problem is my eye wont completely shut (almost will) and I dont blink properly so eye very stinging a little drippy and red. However, it may be related to certain viral and immune disorders such as shingles . But now am getting a bit nervous- 6 days and no sign of improvement (but things are stable, though). Common signs of Bell's palsy are weakness of muscles on one side of the face, drooping eyelid or mouth on one side, or drooling . Im only a 17 year old This is a fictitious case study for educational purposes on Bell's Palsy involving a 34-year old women, Mrs. S, who was referred to physiotherapy (PT). Seeing acupuncturists and its been super helpful but my issue is the ear pain around my ear especially behind ear snd down neck of affected side . Fact: The famous Sylvester Stallone face and look is not a result of a Bell's Palsy disease most people have seemed to indicate. In about 2 weeks I was 80% improved. I hope that you start to heal quickly. Always driving around and shuffling kids back and forth. Thanks for share! National Institutes of Health/DHHS Inability to eat and drink properly due . I am literally just trying to keep the panic at bay. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Oh goodness! Ive spent the last few days sharing the story of mydiagnosis,treatment, andrecoveryfrom Bells palsy and the outpouring of similar stories has been overwhelming. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with At that time, I had no pain behind the ear and tongue wasnt affected neither. In most cases, after Bell's palsy, a quick recovery happens within a few weeks and usually leads to a full return of facial . I would be interested to read the whole series but I could only find this one. I took off the last two days of work but I think it would be wise for me to opt out for a medical leave and recover. My glasses arent ready so I have no choice but to wear them so you can imagine the discomfort Ive been having with the non blinking situation on my right eye and having a contact lens in there. Looking at me at 4 weeks in, I dont think other people woukd notice at all. I mentioned in an earlier post that when I was first diagnosed my husband connected me with the wife of one of his friends that had been battling Bells palsy and synkinesis for a few years. Still dealing with bad ear pain, jaw pain and sometimes pain in my nose. I saw a friend today that was diagnosed about 18 months ago. For example, when you blink does muscles around mid face or mouth move? Acute facial paralysis. REST (If you have a new baby, this means calling in the family or a night nanny. but my therapist asked me to che it!! Bell's palsy usually affects adults only. lately. Make sure take your meds and do facial exercises. Prednisone is to reduce the swelling so that the nerve Vii can regain control of your facial muscles. Im so sad. She said it took her about 8 weeks to feel/look back to normal. I thought I had a scratch on my eye went to optician in 4th Feb 2022..due to pain in eye..she saw that I couldnt blink..had no tears in eye..then I realised I hadnt any feeling in my faceon the same side of sore eye..Id been biting my inner lip as my bite seemed to be misaligned due to bells palsyand my eye looked like it had a bag over the eye.. 1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Bells-Palsy-Fact-Sheet, 2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370028, 3. https://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-bells-palsy-basics, 4. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1001/p997.html. Damage to the hospital immediately, started taking the steroids and anti viral right,! Affected side of your face a lot of my work from home, i... Also and very similar to you, this dryness can result in eye or... Result in the recovery process healing process new baby, this dryness can in! 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