Common Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
- Weakness or half paralysis on one side of your face
- Pain in ears and surrounding areas.
- Drooling
- Eye problems
- Lack of sensation of taste
- Numbness on the affected side of face
- Heightened sensitivity to sound.
If you notice these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a neurologist in Kochi Kerala, especially if the condition appears suddenly, as early diagnosis can help in faster recovery.
Causes of Bell’s palsy
Experts are not sure why cerebral palsy exists, but quite a few believe that it is caused by a viral infection. Here are a few known causes:
- Herpes simplex
- Ear infection
- HIV
- Herpes Zoster virus, Cytomegalo virus, Epstein-Barr virus
- Lyme disease
- Sarcoidosis
Visiting a reputed neurology Hospital in Kochi Kerala can help in identifying the underlying cause accurately and beginning targeted treatment.
Top Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of Bell’s palsy include:
- Family history of the disease
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Infections
- Chemotherapy
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Hypertension
Treatments
The best thing one can do to prevent Bell’s palsy or any type of facial paralysis is to remove the source of damage to the nerve as soon as possible. Even a minor pressure for a short time can result in temporary damage and with time if the compression does not stop, it can lead to permanent damage.
Recovery
It is normal to feel more tired than usual during recovery. If you want to resume your exercise regime, be cautious and do not over work out. Also, take extra precautions to maintain oral hygiene.
Wear eyeglasses with tinted lenses, or sunglasses to keep your eye moist while working on a computer. Always keep your eye drops handy, and manually blink your eye from time to time with the back of the index finger.
An earplug can help if you have a history of any inner or middle ear problems or previous surgery in the ear. If there is pain and discomfort, moist heat can help.
