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Bell's Palsy is a facial nerve disorder in which the nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis that can cause the affected side of your face to droop. The exact cause of Bell's Palsy is unclear (it may be caused by a virus), so there is no known way to prevent or cure it. Luckily, Bell's Palsy usually clears up within a few weeks or months, and there are some things you can do to aid in the recovery process. [1] X Research source Your doctor can prescribe medications and you should also follow at-home care methods to speed recovery time. There are also alternative methods that are not proven to cure Bell's Palsy, but which may ease symptoms caused by it.
Steps
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See your doctor immediately. Treating Bell's Palsy is easiest if given prompt attention. If you have unusual feelings in your face or an inability to control your facial muscles, let your doctor know as soon as possible. They can determine if the problem is Bell's Palsy or a different medical issue, and determine the best treatment plan for you. Signs that you may have Bell's Palsy include: [2] X Research source
- Trouble closing or blinking one or both eyes
- Difficulty controlling facial expressions
- Twitching
- Drooping eyelids
- Drooling
- Difficulty tasting
- Dry eye or mouth
- Excessive tearing of the eye
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Take prednisone. This corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory that your doctor may prescribe. [3] X Research source [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may prescribe you to take it for a week, then reduce the dosage for the following week. [5] X Research source
- As an anti-inflammatory, prednisone may help reduce the swelling of the facial nerve causing Bell's Palsy. It may also relieve some of the pain caused by muscle tension.
- Before taking prednisone, talk with your doctor about possible drug interactions, especially if you are taking birth control, blood thinners, or have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or heart problems, or if you are pregnant or nursing.
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Take antivirals. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is used to fight herpes simplex (which causes cold sores), but it may also help treat Bell's Palsy. [6] X Research source It is not certain that acyclovir alone can have this effect, but it is often prescribed in combination with prednisone as a treatment for the disorder. [7] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source [8] X Research source
- The combination of acyclovir and prednisone as an effective treatment suggests that Bell's Palsy may be caused by herpes simplex. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Bell's Palsy may cause pain in addition to the loss of muscle control and other symptoms. Taking OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help reduce your discomfort. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- To prevent harmful drug interactions, always talk to your doctor about taking any over-the-counter medications if you are currently on any prescription medications.
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Protect your eye. Since Bell's Palsy can make it difficult to close an eyelid, the eye on the affected side may become irritated and dry. To keep the eye moist, try lubricating eye drops or ointments, and an eyepatch. [11] X Research source Wearing glasses or goggles during the day and an eye patch at night can help keep irritating debris out of the eye. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Limit computer time when you are suffering from Bell's Palsy, since excessive computer use can lead to dry eyes. [13] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Apply moist heat. Wet a cloth in warm water and wring it out. Place it over the affected part of your face for several minutes. Repeat this application several times a day to relieve pain caused by Bell's Palsy. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source [15] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Add vitamin therapy. Certain vitamins and minerals (including B12, B6, and zinc) can promote nerve growth. These may help to relieve your Bell's Palsy, since its symptoms are related to nerve damage. [16] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Good sources of vitamin B6 include avocado, banana, beans, meat, nuts, and whole grains. [17] X Research source
- Good sources of vitamin B12 include beef liver, shellfish, meat, eggs, milk, and some fortified cereals. [18] X Research source
- Good sources of zinc include high-protein meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and dark meat chicken; nuts, beans, and whole grains. [19] X Research source
- You can also ask your doctor about taking supplements to ensure that you get enough B12, B6, and zinc.
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Be patient. Recovery time depends on the extent of nerve damage and whether you're also being treated for an obvious cause of Bell's palsy. While the length of recovery time varies from person to person, symptoms usually improve within two weeks (with or without treatment). Even if this is the case, it may take your body three to six months before you're completely recovered.
- The symptoms of Bell's Palsy may recur, even after you're completely recovered. Be sure to talk with your doctor again to determine if there's an obvious cause.
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Practice biofeedback. This is a process of learning to train your mind to understand and control your body. It can help get facial function back by conditioning you to consciously think about controlling your facial muscles and to be aware of sensation in the area affected by Bell's Palsy. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source [21] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Specific biofeedback techniques will vary based on your case, so ask your doctor to recommend a particular biofeedback program.
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Work on physical therapy exercises. By training your facial muscles using various exercises, you can regain some of your facial functions. These exercises can also help relieve some of the symptoms of Bell's Palsy, including pain. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist that has experience in treating Bell's Palsy.
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Get facial massage. Like physical therapy, facial massage can help restore function to the area affected by Bell's Palsy, and ease some of the discomfort caused by it. Ask your doctor about a referral to a massage therapist with experience in treating Bell's Palsy with facial massage.
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Consider electrical stimulation. [23] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source In some cases, your doctor may recommend electrical stimulation as a way of restoring function to your face and/or encouraging nerve development to aid your recovery. This should only be attempted by trained medical professionals, and only when your doctor determines it will be beneficial.
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Do relaxation techniques. Meditation , yoga , and breathing exercises may relieve muscle tension and pain. There is no verification that this will cure Bell's Palsy, but it may help with the general discomfort caused by it [24] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Bell's Palsy can cause stress as well as physical discomfort. Relaxation techniques can also serve as a form of emotional therapy. [25] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionDoes lack of sleep or stress cause Bell's Palsy?Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.While we aren't exactly sure what causes it, anything that might affect your overall health will decrease your immune system and put you at increased risk for infection or illness.
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QuestionAfter being diagnosed, when is the best time to start facial exercises?Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.Start right away by looking in the mirror and making faces so you can see your progress. Simple facial expressions that use many of your muscles included surprised, angry, smiling, and puckered lips.
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QuestionWhat kind of food should I serve a patient with Bell's Palsy?Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.Bell's or facial nerve palsy only affects the muscles of the face and should not affect chewing or swallowing. The only risk is food escaping the side of the mouth and drooling, so small portions are best.
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Tips
- Bell's Palsy occurs when a facial nerve is compressed. Its exact cause is not known, but it may be related to a virus such as meningitis or herpes simplex. Bell's Palsy is also associated with other diseases, like the flu, Lyme disease, and diabetes.Thanks
- Bell's Palsy is not the same as facial paralysis caused by stroke.Thanks
- Bell's Palsy does not affect the ocular nerve, or the nerve that controls the movement of your eye.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Keep calm and do your facial exercises. I found that massaging the area also helps soothe the symptoms. I've heard that vitamins such as B 12 can help the process heal a little faster, too.
- During the first signs of bell's palsy I went to a chiropractor and it made a huge difference. I did need additional therapy, but it might help you, too.
- I had success smoking medical marijuana. It made it a lot easier to isolate the affected muscles more easily for treatment.
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Warnings
- Surgery is rarely recommended for Bell's Palsy, and only to correct severe damage. [26] X Research source Decompression surgery relieves pressure on the facial nerve by opening the bony passage that the nerve passes through; however, nerve injury, hearing loss, and other damages can result, so it is generally no longer recommended. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000773.htm
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/treatment/con-20020529
- ↑ http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/neuro-ophthalmologic-and-cranial-nerve-disorders/facial-nerve-palsy
- ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8651631
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002402.htm
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403.htm
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002416.htm
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
- ↑ http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/bells-palsy
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
About This Article
Article Summary
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To cure Bell's Palsy, it's important to see your doctor immediately to address your symptoms before they get worse. Your doctor will probably prescribe a course of prednisone, which is an anti-inflammatory, to reduce swelling. This can also help you manage some of the pain you're feeling, since it's caused by muscle tension. Many doctors also prescribe acyclovir, an antiviral medication, along with the prednisone. Finally, keep your eyes moist with eye drops and consider protecting the affected eye with an eye patch until you recover. For tips on dietary changes that may help you recover faster, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was diagnosed three weeks ago, and am about 75% better at this time. I started doing all these things on my own, but wished I would have found this article when I was diagnosed. I wish my MD would have provided information like this. I fully believe that it all has helped me to improve significantly in the last three weeks instead of sitting around waiting on things to happen. I am going to keep the link and share it with my MD. " ..." more
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"I was diagnosed three weeks ago, and am about 75% better at this time. I started doing all these things on my own, but wished I would have found this article when I was diagnosed. I wish my MD would have provided information like this. I fully believe that it all has helped me to improve significantly in the last three weeks instead of sitting around waiting on things to happen. I am going to keep the link and share it with my MD. "
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"A helpful article. I learned about a few different foods that can help during my time with Bell's palsy. I really found this piece of information pretty helpful, as it allows me to participate in my own recovery. I've been looking for as much information about my current case as possible, and I found this article to be informative and easy to understand. Thank you."
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"I have Bell's Palsy for the second time. I've been given prednisone and viral medications, but what has helped me a lot both times are the massages. They really help with the pain, soreness, and stiffness, and getting the nerves back to normal."
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"It came on quickly. My husband and mother both had it, so I knew it was not a stroke. I went to the doctor within two days and determined it was Bell's Palsy. I went on prednisone a week ago now. It is a little better. Good suggestions!"
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"My son, age 16, was recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Although most of the information presented has been discussed with the doctor, I found the vitamin supplements and the facial massage portions enlightening."
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