The Essential Guide to Bell’s Palsy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Drooping of one side of the face, including the eyelid, mouth, and cheek (both sides of the face may be involved, but this is extremely rare). Twitching facial muscles. Difficult or impossible to close one eye, as eyelid movement is impaired. Inability to furrow half the forehead. Pain in the face. Pain in the ear.

Speaking difficulties. Tinnitus or hypersensitivity in the affected ear. Loss of sense of taste. Eating difficulties. Drooling. Dry eyes. Headache. Damage to this nerve may occur after an infection when the immune system is weakened or after an injury or traumatic event. Infection Triggers Herpes simplex 1 (which causes mouth sores).

Upper respiratory illness. Varicella zoster (chickenpox). Epstein Barr virus. COVID 19 virus. Guillain Barré syndrome. HIV. Lyme disease. Multiple sclerosis. Hand foot and mouth disease. Mumps. Influenza B. Myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune condition). Sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease that causes granuloma formation in organs).

Potential Links Between Certain Vaccines and Bell’s Palsy A meta analysis compared the incidence of Bell’s palsy in both mRNA and viral vector vaccines (AstraZeneca and J&J). “For the mRNA vaccine subgroup, there were significantly increased odds of [Bell’s palsy] in the vaccinated group compared with the placebo group,” the review said.

However, observational studies analyzed in the review found the odds of Bell’s palsy incidence did not significantly differ between vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts, they added. “In the cohort studies, the analysis indicated no significant evidence of increased odds of [Bell’s palsy] in the vaccinated group compared with the unvaccinated group,” the review concluded.

Additionally, the reviewers found Bell’s palsy to be more common following COVID 19 infection than following COVID 19 vaccination. Specifically, compared with vaccination, infection tripled the risk of developing Bell’s palsy. Diabetes. Hypertension. Obesity. Preeclampsia. Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

Physical or emotional trauma. Factors that weaken the immune system, such as injury. Having had Bell’s palsy before. Physical exam: If your doctor suspects you have Bell’s palsy, he or she will perform a physical exam. If the forehead muscles are also weak on one side, this is more consistent with Bell’s palsy, as forehead muscles are usually spared in a stroke.

Your doctor will also confirm that you do not have other physical findings pointing to a different diagnosis. Blood tests : No blood tests exist to diagnose Bell’s palsy. However, if a doctor suspects an underlying infection (such as Lyme disease) or condition (such as diabetes) is present, he or she may order blood work related to the condition.

Imaging tests: Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, are not needed for diagnosis but may be ordered if physical findings are not straightforward initially or fail to resolve as expected. A doctor may also choose to perform electromyography (EMG).

This test involves placing electrodes on affected muscles to measure electrical activity and, thus, nerve function. Steroids: A 10 day regimen of oral corticosteroid (prednisone) is the first line treatment for Bell’s palsy and is most effective if begun within the first few days of symptom onset.

Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications valacyclovir or acyclovir may be administered along with steroids for seven to 10 days. This combination therapy may reduce rates of synkinesis (involuntary movement of certain facial muscles), according to an American Family Physician review. The use of antivirals alone is not recommended and has shown no benefit compared to placebo, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Surgery: Facial reanimation surgery , which may involve “static” cosmetic procedures (such as an eyebrow lift or facelift of the affected side), nerve grafting, or muscle repositioning, may be appropriate in some cases of Bell’s palsy. Injections: The use of botulinum toxin (Botox) has been shown to improve facial hyperkinesis (excessive muscle movement) and synkinesis following Bell’s palsy, according to a 2021 practical guideline in the journal Toxins.

The guideline states: “In order to create more symmetry at rest and with animation, [Botox] is injected in targeted muscles of the unaffected side to reduce hyperkinesis, resulting in a significant aesthetic improvement of the face. For the treatment of synkinesis, [Botox] injection into a specific muscle can reduce or eliminate the involuntary muscle action that is aberrantly triggered.” They suggested vitamin C deficiency may be “a cause or […] risk factor for Bell’s palsy and at the same time immune inflammation triggered in Bell’s palsy also leads to vitamin C deficiency as existing vitamin C in the body starts scavenging free radicals to prevent oxidative damage.” Bell’s palsy patients may seek alternative therapies such as electrical stimulation, biofeedback training, and supplementation with vitamins B12, B6, and zinc.

Still, there is no evidence these treatments are effective, according to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise has also been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety, and recent research shows exercise may even be more effective than medication in managing these conditions.

Practice deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Spend time in nature or doing activities that bring joy. Practice yoga or other forms of relaxation exercises. Take regular breaks throughout the day to relax and unwind.

Get plenty of sleep each night to help reduce stress levels. Listen to calming music or nature sounds to help relax your mind and body. Connect with friends and family members who can provide emotional support. Participate in activities that promote positive thinking, such as journaling or meditation.

Seek professional help if needed, such as a therapist or counselor. Nuts (vitamin E, selenium, and amino and fatty acids). Yogurt (probiotics). Green tea (L theanine and the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate). Of note, green tea contains about a third of the caffeine of coffee. If you are caffeine sensitive, keep the amount you drink in mind.

Chocolate (antioxidants and magnesium). Fish (omega 3 fatty acids, L lysine, and L arginine)..