Bell’s Palsy
Bell's Palsy Treatment in Fullerton, CA
Bell’s Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis that causes half of the face to droop, similar to the appearance of an individual experiencing a stroke. Fortunately, the drooping caused by Bell’s Palsy is not a sign of a life-threatening condition such as a stroke. Our board-certified otolaryngologists specialize in diagnosing and treating Bell’s Palsy.
Call (714) 447-4100 to schedule an appointment with our experienced ENT specialists today!
Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
Facial nerves can become damaged at any point in time, which means that symptoms of Bell’s Palsy usually come on suddenly. These symptoms can include:
Varying degrees of weakness or total paralysis on one side of the face
Facial droop, which causes difficulty in movement of the affected eye or side of the mouth
Drooling
Inhibited sense of taste
Pain in jaw or behind ear of the affected side
Fluctuation in the amount of tears or saliva produced
Headache
Increased sensitivity to sound of the affected ear
In more rare instances, Bell?s Palsy has been known to affect both sides of the face.
What causes Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is caused by some sort of damage or trauma to the facial nerves. This causes the function of the nerve to be disrupted, resulting in an interruption in signals from the brain to the facial muscles. Without these signals, the muscles of the face become weak or paralyzed, which causes a drooping appearance.
Risk Factors for Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy can appear in anyone of any age, but there are certain risk factors associated with the condition such as individuals that are:
Pregnant, specifically those in their third trimester or those that have recently given birth
Currently suffering from an upper respiratory infection
Diabetic
Treatment Options for Bell's Palsy
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience any type of facial paralysis, as this may be clear signs of a stroke.
Bell’s Palsy affects each individual differently, so specific treatment may vary from patient to patient. While medications are often used as part of the treatment, in certain circumstances, surgical removal of the bone around the nerve (decompression surgery) may be appropriate.
