Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy refers to paralysis of the face as a result of a defect in the facial nerve. Approximately 30,000-40,000 Americans are affected by this condition (National Institute of Health, 2011).
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms are restricted to one side and may include eating or drinking with difficulty, drooling, drooping of the eyelid, twitching of facial muscles, headache, dry mouth or eye among other signs.
Diagnosis can be done by Magnetic resonance imaging, CT scan or by testing nerve conduction. Treatment is often unnecessary unless in severe cases. Corticosteroids are commonly used. Electrical stimulation may also be applied (Peitersen, 2002).
References
National Institute of Health. (2011). Bell’s palsy. Web.
Peitersen, E. (2002). Bell’s palsy: The spontaneous course of 2,500 peripheral facial nerve palsies of different etiologies. London: Taylor & Francis Health Sciences.