Bell’s Palsy

Understanding Bell’s Palsy

Bell's Palsy is a medical condition characterized by the sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It is believed to be caused by the inflammation or swelling of the facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve.

The facial nerve controls the muscles responsible for facial expressions, taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue, and tear and saliva production. When it becomes compressed or damaged due to inflammation or other factors, it can lead to the characteristic symptoms of Bell's Palsy, which may include:

  1. Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, making it difficult to smile or close the eye on that side.

  2. Drooping of the mouth and eyelid on the affected side.

  3. Loss of the sense of taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue.

  4. Difficulty in blinking, leading to dry eyes.

  5. Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.

  6. Pain or discomfort around the jaw or behind the ear on the affected side.

  7. Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced.

Common Causes

The exact cause of Bell's Palsy is not always clear, but it is believed to be related to viral infections, especially the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. Other viruses, such as the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have also been associated with Bell's Palsy.

The condition usually occurs suddenly and reaches its peak within 48 hours, but the symptoms can vary in severity from person to person. The good news is that many cases of Bell's Palsy resolve within a few weeks to months, and the majority of patients regain most of their facial function.
However, some individuals may experience lingering or long-term effects.

Treatment

Treatment for Bell's Palsy may involve medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as antiviral drugs if a viral cause is suspected. Eye care is essential to prevent complications like corneal damage due to reduced blinking and tear production. Physical therapy and facial exercises can also be helpful in promoting recovery and preventing muscle atrophy.

If you or someone you know experiences sudden facial weakness or paralysis, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. A healthcare professional, typically a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can diagnose Bell's Palsy based on clinical examination and rule out other potential causes of facial paralysis.

In the event that you are diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, acupuncture and herbal formulas can speed up the recovery process and potentially prevent long term effects.

How acupuncture can help with Pain

The exact mechanism of how acupuncture might help with Bell's Palsy is not entirely understood, but several theories have been proposed:

Increasing blood flow:

Acupuncture increases local blood circulation, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected facial nerve.

Nerve stimulation:

The placement of acupuncture needles in specific points on the face and stimulates nerve endings, including the facial nerve, potentially improving its function and promoting nerve regeneration.

Pain relief:

Acupuncture has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing pain or discomfort associated with Bell's Palsy.

Reducing muscle tension:

Acupuncture helps relax facial muscles that have become tight or spastic due to the paralysis, potentially aiding in restoring normal facial movements.

Here are some helpful Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290118304370

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32472874/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20In%20conclusion%2C%20our%20findings,severity%2C%20and%20better%20functional%20recovery.