How does bells palsy occur

Your smile is one-sided, and your eye on that side resists closing. Bell's palsy, also known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause, can occur at any age. The exact cause is unknown. It's believed to be the result of swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of your face.

Or it might be a reaction that occurs after a viral infection. For most people, Bell's palsy is temporary. Symptoms usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months.

A small number of people continue to have some Bell's palsy symptoms for life. Rarely, Bell's palsy can recur. The nerve that controls your facial muscles passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to your face. Facial weakness or paralysis may cause one corner of your mouth to droop, and you may have trouble retaining saliva on that side of your mouth. The condition may also make it difficult to close the eye on the affected side of your face. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any type of paralysis because you may be having a stroke.

Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke, but it can cause similar symptoms. See your doctor if you experience facial weakness or drooping to find out the underlying cause and severity of the illness.

Although the exact reason Bell's palsy occurs isn't clear, it's often related to having a viral infection. Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause:.

In Bell's palsy, that nerve becomes inflamed and swollen — usually related to a viral infection. Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis.

It begins suddenly and worsens over 48 hours. This condition results from damage to the facial nerve the 7th cranial nerve. Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head.

It occurs most often in pregnant women, and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory ailment. Bell's palsy affects men and woman equally. It is less common before age 15 or after age Bell's palsy is not considered permanent, but in rare cases, it does not disappear.

Currently, there is no known cure for Bell's palsy; however, recovery usually begins 2 weeks to 6 months from the onset of the symptoms. Most people with Bell's palsy recover full facial strength and expression.

The cause of Bell's palsy is not known. It is thought that it may be due to inflammation that is directed by the body's immune system against the nerve controlling movement of the face. Bell's palsy is sometimes associated with the following:.

The symptoms of Bell's palsy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. However, your healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and to determine the extent of nerve involvement or damage.

These tests may include:. Otherwise, the symptoms are treated as needed. One uniformly recommended treatment for Bell's palsy is protecting the eye from drying at night or while working at a computer. The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound.

Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormone in adults, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands, feet and internal organs. Exercise can prevent age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints and can reverse these changes too.

A person with alcohol related brain impairment ARBI might experience problems with coordination, thinking, planning and memory.

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On this page. Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, with young adults of either sex more susceptible for unknown reasons.