About this topic
Bells palsy is a short-term weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control one side of the face. A nerve, called the facial nerve, moves the muscles in the face. Anything that causes swelling to the facial nerve, such as an infection or injury, may cause this problem. Common signs are a drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth to one side, or drooling from the mouth. Frowning may also be affected when the eyebrow sags. Sometimes, one eye will not fully close. ‚
This illness may go away after a month or two. For some people, it may take up to 6 months to get back to normal. Some people do not fully recover. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure to take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- If you cannot close your eye, use eye drops of artificial tears every hour during the day. These will help keep your eye moist. Use glasses during the day to keep dust and other items from getting into your eye. At night, use an eye ointment and an eye patch over your eye.
- You may need to exercise and massage your face in front of a mirror at least once a day.
- Some people have trouble talking because of the mouth drooping. Try using pen and paper, a blackboard, or computer pad to help you speak to others.
- Apply a warm compress to the affected side of the face for pain and swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- You may be asked to see a physical therapist or go to a rehab center.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Keep the eyes moist
- Help keep your nutrition normal
Will physical activity be limited?
You need lots of rest for a faster recovery. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
A diet of soups and soft foods may make eating easier for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- More than usual drooling from your mouth
- Eye damage if your eyelid does not close fully
- Have low mood and avoid social activities because of the facial changes
- Weakness becomes long-lasting
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; wound that will not heal; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge from the wound; or loss of feeling of the hand and wrist on the same side as your Bells palsy.
- Pain or headache not helped by drugs
- Bad ear pain or blisters around or inside your ear canal
- Arms or legs feel weak
- Dizziness
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in eyesight
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses. Use eye drops at least every 2 hours when you go out.
- Keep a clean dry or moist washcloth near you when eating. You may need to wipe your mouth.
- Join a support group. This may help you cope with your illness.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to protect my eye if I cannot close it.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a loss of feeling in my hand or wrist on the same side as my Bells palsy.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/bellsPalsy.cfm ‚
Bells Palsy Foundation ‚
http://bellspalsy.org.uk/main.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/brain_nervous/bells_palsy.html ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/bells.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/48/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚