Acupuncture could be the cure for bell's palsy

What is it?

A disorder involving sudden facial drooping and decreased ability to move the face. It is caused by damage to the seventh cranial nerve. It is also called facial palsy.

How does it develop?

The disorder is a mononeuropathy that damages the 7th cranial (facial) nerve, the nerve that controls movement of the muscles of the face. The cause is unknown. In some cases, the disorder is presumed to be associated with inflammation of the facial nerve where it travels through the bones of the skull. It may also be caused by head injury, tumor, hypertension, or infarction. Statistics indicate that the disorder affects approximately 2 out of 10,000 people, however, the actual incidence is likely to be much higher (around 1 out of 500 to 1,000).

Chinese medicine attributes this condition to external wind invasion of the channels which nourish and control the facial muscles, accompanied with either heat or cold when it attacks the channels. People might recall either driving or sleeping facing an open window prior to the incidence.  Tiredness also may contribute to the incidence.

What are the symptoms?

• pain behind or in front of the ear may precede weakness of facial muscles by 1-2 days
• fever and chills
• impairment of taste
• headache
• face feels stiff
• face feels pulled to one side
• difficulty with eating and drinking
• change in facial appearance-facial droop, difficulty with facial expressions, grimacing
• facial paralysis of one side of the face
• difficulty closing one eye
• drooling

Note: Sometimes Bell's Palsy is caused by shingles. In such a case, painful blisters and a rash can be found on the ear on the affected side.  Symptoms begin suddenly and hit their peak usually within 48 hours. Seventy-five percent of cases are preceded by upper respiratory infection. Blood pressure is normal. A skull x-ray may be done to rule-out infection or tumor.

Bell's palsy should also be differentiated from stroke. During a stroke, other muscles on one side of the body are usually involved, and while there may be facial paralysis, the eye on the affected side can still be closed and the forehead can still be wrinkled. This is not possible with Bell's palsy.  Do not panic and assume you are having stroke. Go visit your doctor.

Is there any cure for Bell's palsy

Believe or NOT?

In many cases, no treatment is necessary. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms.

Corticosteroids may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve for some persons. Corticosteroids must be given early to be most effective - preferably within 24 hours of the onset of paralysis.

Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely. The eye may need to be patched during sleep to protect it.

Surgical procedures to decompress the facial nerve have not been shown to routinely benefit people with Bell's palsy.

What prognosis to expect?

The outcome varies. Approximately 60% to 80% of cases resolve completely within a few weeks to months. Some cases result in permanent changes. The disorder is not life threatening.

Complications include: disfigurement from loss of facial movement, damage to the eye (corneal ulcers and infections), chronic spasm of facial muscles or eyelids, and chronic taste abnormalities.

What should be done?

Don't be discouraged or scared by the above information. Try acupuncture as early as possible.

Clinical observation has proven that acupuncture can help  accelerate the recovery of Bell's palsy. Most cases recover after 6-8 treatments during the first two to three weeks of incidence. Taking herbs to expel external pathogens and strengthen immunity is also important and beneficial.