Bell’s Palsy is a condition that can affect anyone at any age. It involves episodes of facial weakness or paralysis on one side. Bell’s Palsy often begins suddenly and gets worse over the next couple of days. The condition can cause pain and discomfort so it’s important to get treatment as soon as you see the signs of the condition. One of the main questions people ask when they experience the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy is, can Bell’s Palsy be permanent? Below you will find helpful information about the condition and what treatments are available.
Can Bell’s Palsy Be Permanent?
Bell’s Palsy can be frightening at first, but it is important to understand that the condition is not permanent in the vast majority of cases. Recovery usually begins between 2 weeks and 6 months after the symptoms appear. The condition usually affects pregnant women and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or another respiratory condition. It impacts women and men equally, and is common among those between the ages of 15 and 60.
While the cause of Bell’s Palsy is not fully known, certain factors place people at a higher risk for the condition. Research has shown that inflammation directed toward certain facial nerves may be the culprit. It is also associated with a number of conditions, such as high blood pressure, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, and various infections.
Bell’s Palsy Symptoms
In addition to facial weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, there are a variety of other symptoms of the condition. If you experience a combination of any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult with a medical professional.
- Loss of feeling in your face
- Drooling
- Headache
- Tearing
- Loss of taste (specifically on the front two-thirds of your tongue)
- Hypersensitivity to sound (in the ear on the side of the face that is affected)
- Inability to close your eye (on the affected side of your face)
Bell’s Palsy Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experienced a combination of the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy, it’s important to contact your medical provider so they can work with you on a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you can start a treatment plan. Your medical provider will look at your physical symptoms and may order additional tests to rule out any other harmful conditions. This is because there is no actual test used to diagnose the condition of Bell’s Palsy as the physical symptoms alone are used to determine if you have it. The additional tests are necessary to rule out other possible conditions. They may include an EMG (electromyography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), or blood tests. This is because the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy are similar to the symptoms of a stroke and tumor.
One of the most obvious impacts of the condition are its impact on your eyes. You may notice your eyebrow droop and your eyelids sag which can make it difficult to open your eyes. Bell’s Palsy treatment is helpful in addressing these issues. Depending on your unique needs, there are a variety of treatments. Below are some of the common treatment options for Bell’s Palsy-related eye issues.
- Eyelid Weights: This includes the placement of a weight into your upper eyelid. This helps make it easier for your eyes to close.
- Tarsorrhaphy: This is a procedure that involves the inner and outer portions of your eyelids being brought together. This closes the eyelid with the issue and decreases exposure to it. This is most often a temporary procedure.
- Ectropion Repair: If your eyelid turns outward it can make eye irrigation impossible. A minor procedure can help tighten up your eyelid to help correct the issue.
Eyelid Surgery in the Inland Empire
If you have Bell’s Palsy and eye issues related to the condition, contact the team at Infocus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery. Their team of experts are skilled Bell’s Palsy-related eyelid surgery in the Inland Empire. Contact their office today for a consultation!