Bell's palsy

Some people with a drooping corner of the mouth are sometimes diagnosed with Bell's palsy. But what exactly is Bell's Palsy?

The main signs of Bell's palsy are a drooping corner of the mouth and the eye on the same side that cannot close properly. When the eyes are closed, the eyeball rolls upwards. A drooping corner of the mouth also occurs with a stroke, but then there are usually no problems with the eyes.

In Bell's palsy, the facial nerve is paralyzed. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs do not change the outcome of the disease. Only corticosteroids in high doses increase the chance of a complete cure. The affected eye should also be protected from drying out.

In 4 out of 5 patients the disease will be completely cured. This will usually take several weeks to a few months. Sometimes it can take almost a year before all complaints disappear. Normally there will always be a significant improvement in the complaints, even if complete healing does not follow.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024