Bell’s palsy is a type of facial paralysis that results in an inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Often the eye in the affected side cannot be fully closed.
BELLS PALSY
The common presentation of this condition is a rapid onset of partial or complete paralysis that often occurs overnight. In rare cases (<1%), it can occur on both sides resulting in total facial paralysis.
Bell’s palsy results from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve). It is defined as a one-sided facial nerve paralysis of unknown cause. Several other conditions can also cause facial paralysis, e.g., brain tumor, stroke, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease; however, if no specific cause can be identified, the condition is known as Bell’s palsy.
The facial nerve controls a number of functions, such as blinking and closing the eyes, smiling, frowning, lacrimation, salivation, flaring nostrils and raising eyebrows. It also carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can develop one to two weeks after you have a cold, ear infection, or eye infection. Bell’s palsy is characterized by a one-sided facial droop that comes on within 72 hours.
They usually appear abruptly, and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or when you try to eat or drink.
Bell’s palsy is marked by a droopy appearance on one side of the face and the inability to open or close your eye on the affected side. In rare cases, Bell’s palsy may affect both sides of your face.
Other signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:
drooling
difficulty eating and drinking
an inability to make facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning
facial weakness
muscle twitches in the face
dry eye and mouth
a headache
sensitivity to sound
People with Bell’s palsy may present with loss of taste sensation in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue on the affected side.
WHAT HOMOEOPATHY CAN DO?
Bell’s palsy is due to the paralysis of the facial nerve. This paralytic state can be corrected by genuine homoeopathic remedies. Homoeopathic remedy stimulates the restorative power of the human body and hence the gentle, consistent and reliable cures obtained. Homoeopathy is not merely a symptom reliever but can bring cure for the condition through its holistic healing approach.