Prevent Bell’s palsy from becoming chronic: Doctors

While two to three of such cases are seen in city hospitals each month, the condition remained fairly unknown, until recently. “After, Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie said in a recent interview that she was suffering from the condition, many are curious to know out more about the cause,” said Ophthalmologist Dr Priya Menon.   

“Usually, the onset for the condition is sudden. Although in some cases, it is found to arise after a brief history of a cough or a cold, it may also be the result of an injury to the nerve. Typically, a patient struggles with incomplete closure of the eye. They may also find it difficult to drink fluids, as they tend to constantly drool,” said Dr Mohan. 

Sometimes, an ear infection can also be the trigger. Dr K Selvakumar, head, Neurosurgery Department, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital, said, “Due to the infection in the ear, the seventh nerve can get inflamed, resulting in this condition. However, it can sometimes be idiopathic (causes unknown) as well. With medication and physiotherapy, it can be cured.” 

Bell’s palsy can also occur when a person’s face is suddenly hit by cold air from an open window during early hours of the morning, he added. Owing to the lack of a pumping mechanism after the muscles become paralysed, patients tend to constantly tear up. “While the condition can heal in a few months, if not attended to, it can result in threatening complications, including affecting one’s vision,” said Dr Soundari, of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital.

“We offer supportive therapy to the patients, which includes giving them frequent lubricants. We advise them to put a tape on their eyelids before sleeping and to avoid windy and dusty conditions,” Dr Mohan said. 

Normally, patients seek to consult a doctor as soon as they notice something weird about their face. “Patients must ensure it does not become chronic,” added Dr Menon.

* Sagging on one side of the face 

* Pain behind the ears prior to the weakness 

* Muscle weakness 

* Twitching 

* Drooling 

* Decreased sense of taste 

* Inability to move the affected side 

* Watery eyes 

* Increased sound sensitivity 

*Difficulty in chewing

* Trauma or damage to the facial nerve  

* Ear infection 

* Viral infection 

* Infection caused by certain viruses

 *Gush of cold air hitting the face

* Bell’s palsy affects around one in 5,000 people annually 

* It is most common among children under the age of 15 and adults over the age of 60  

* Pregnant women, diabetics and people with the flu are at high risk of developing this rare condition

* Treatment may vary, based on the severity of symptoms 

* It usually takes up to nine months to recover from the condition 

* Physiotherapy can also help prevent muscles from permanently contracting