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| Bell's Palsy (BP) is the most common cause of facial paralysis worldwide. Its incidence is about 20 cases per 100,000 persons. Although not age-specific, it affects young and middle-aged adults most often. Causes & Development Climate is not a contributing factor. BP does, however, have a higher prevalence among lower socioeconomic groups. Signs & Symptoms The disorder usually progresses for 7 to 10 days, with sudden onset of facial weakness. Diagnosis & Tests BP is a diagnosis of exclusion. Nerve conduction does not become altered until about 3 days after degeneration has occurred. These changes are then detected by observing a widened palpebral fissure (the space between the margins of the eyelids), reduced nasolabial fold (smile line), and drooping corner of the mouth. Pain behind the ear is a common symptom, along with fever, tinnitus, and a mild hearing deficit. As time goes on with constant or increasing compression, damage to the nerve can also increase. Between 4 and 6% experience severe deformity with very little return to normal facial movement, and 10 to 15% will be bothered by asymmetrical movement of the facial muscles. Recurrence may be on the same or opposite side. |
| Hydrotherapy Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) |