Bells Palsy

Afflicting 40,000 Americans every year

What is Bells Palsy?

Bell's palsy, also called facial palsy, is named for Dr. Charles Bell of Edinburgh, Scotland, who first described the condition in 1882.

Bells palsy is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control expression on one side of your face. The disorder results from damage to 7th facial cranial nerve, one of which runs beneath each ear, to the muscles on the same side of your face. This type of facial paralysis, or "nerve disorder" afflicts approximately 40,000 Americans each year.

It can strike almost anyone at any age; however, it disproportionately attacks pregnant women and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or some other upper respiratory ailment.

Symptoms Include...

...a droopy appearance to your face, which can obviously be a huge blow to your self-esteem.

Although the disorder may clear up on its own within weeks or months for most people, in some cases, doctors prescribe a corticosteroid medication within the first few days. Using these medications apparently increases likelihood of a good recovery.

In addition to one sided facial paralysis with possible inability to close the eye, symptoms of Bells palsy may also include pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and impairment of taste. Often Bells palsy isn't thought of as serious. Today however, science is showing that the common
cold sore virus , herpes simplex, and other herpes viruses are the likely cause of many cases of Bells palsy

new research continues to support that
Herpes, a precursor to Bells Palsy is responsible
for many serious health ailments.

Gilbert (2002) Bell's palsy and herpesviruses. Herpes Dec;9(3):70-3.
An interesting paper addressing the growing scientific evidence that herpes viruses, specifically varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox and later Shingles ) and Herpes simplex type-1 (a.k.a. cold sore virus) are linked to the development of Bells palsy and other neurological diseases. Science continues to research whether antiviral therapy can bring relief to those afflicted with these diseases.To View the Abstract Click Here

Is there any treatment?

Studies have shown that steroids are probably effective and that the drug acyclovir combined with prednisone is possibly effective in improving facial function. Other treatments are usually aimed at protecting the eye from drying at nighttime. Some physicians may prescribe a corticosteroid drug to help reduce inflammation and an analgesic to relieve pain.

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What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for Bells palsy is generally very good. With or without treatment, most patients begin to get significantly better within 2 weeks, and about 80 percent recover completely within 3 months. For some, however, the symptoms may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear.

What research is being done?

There is alot of research currently being done by NINDS. As well, science continue to look at the positive effects that Larrea tridentata show in shutting down the herpes virus, a precursor to Bells Palsy.

For more information on Research being done on Bells Palsy be sure to visit our...

Bells Palsy Resources

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Bells Palsy Information F.A.Q.

International Larrea Medical Site
Everything you ever wanted to know about the remarkable immune system building properties of Larrea tridentata

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Supporting an extensive research program of basic studies to increase understanding of how the nervous system works. A major goal of this research is to develop methods for repairing damaged nerves and restoring full use and strength to injured areas.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968 55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD(6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

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