• Bell's Palsy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • 1 Which are the similar conditions to Bell's palsy?

    Certain conditions which can also result in facial paralysis are listed below-

    • Stroke- This is a serious condition which leads to brain damage and can cause facial paralysis. It needs immediate attention.
    • Head injury- This may also damage the nerve or arrest the blood supply to nerve and may result in similar symptoms.
    • Otitis- Ear infections may also damage the nerve.
    • Ramsay Hunt syndrome or Shingles- A viral disease caused by Varicella Zoster virus characterized by eruptions.
    • Brain tumor- Any compression on nerve due to adjacent tumor may also cause facial paralysis.
    • Infections- Similar conditions can be result of diseases like Chicken pox, Mononucleosis, Mumps, HIV, Lyme's disease, Syphilis etc.
    • Others- Certain disease like Guillain Barre' syndrome and sardoisis can also result in similar conditions.

  • 2 Can Bell's palsy also affect children?

    Usually Bell's palsy affects adults. It is less common in children below 12 - 14 years of age. But yes, Bell's palsy can affect children also in rare cases. Homeopathy is the best and safest medicine for children, and work wonders in Bell's palsy.

  • 3 Can Bell's palsy affect both the sides of the face?

    In most of the cases Bell's palsy affects only one side of face since usually only one facial nerve is affected but in some rare cases it is possible for both the side of the face to be affected. Homeopathy is strongly recommended for the cases of Bell's palsy since its constitutional and individualization approach is best for such diseases. Hence now get world class and most natural way of side effect treatment at the earliest at the click of your mouse from the best panel of doctors.

  • 4 How can Bell's palsy affect eyes? What are the ways to protect them?

    In Bell's palsy it becomes difficult to close the eye of affected side of face. Bringing the upper and lower eyelids together is difficult in most of the cases hence eyes are prone to damage. Hence following ways are helpful-

    • To prevent damage to affected eye put tear drops in it to prevent drying. Since it is difficult to close eye cover it with a clean cotton pad. You can use eye ointments on recommendation of your doctor. Do not let your eye become dry.

    Since blink reflex is affected in Bell's palsy it is difficult for eyes to close themselves if some foreign body is approaching them. Hence protect your eyes from injury.

  • 5 My wife, 36 year old has been recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. What care should be taken while dealing with it?

    Taking care of your face is very important in Bell's palsy. Since the facial nerve which supplies the face is affected facial muscles lose their elasticity and tone. Hence following methods are useful in re toning your face and quick recovery.

    • Physiotherapy and facial exercise are beneficial to stimulate facial nerve and increase muscle tone.
    • To prevent permanent muscle contractures or shrinkage facial massage is beneficial.
    • Facial exercises will help in faster stimulation of facial muscles and quick recovery.
    • Facial exercises are nothing but simple exercises. For example- try to smile, make facial expressions, practice as if you are blowing air in balloon etc.
    • Soak cotton towel in warm water and squeeze it, then apply on painful areas of face. It will ease the pain.

    Avoid large bites of foods; eat small portions of food for easy chewing. In severe cases take semisolid or liquid foods to avoid choking.

  • 6 How is Bell's palsy diagnosed?

    There is no particular test for Bell's palsy to be diagnosed. Bell's palsy is diagnosed by physician on basis of clinical symptoms. Detailed history of symptoms is very important to rule out other similar conditions. It is conducted by qualified physician to ascertain extent of paralysis and other symptoms.

    • Tests- There is no particular laboratory tests to determine Bell's palsy, though specific tests like CT Scan or MRI may be required to rule out other conditions like stroke.
    • Electromyography (EMG) - This test can confirm the presence of nerve damage and determine the severity and the extent of nerve involvement.
    • Differential Diagnosis- It is worthwhile to remember that in facial paralysis where clear cut causes are found like meningitis, tumor, diabetes, stroke, inflammatory diseases, are not cases of Bell's palsy. Those cases need further evaluation by physician to prevent complications. Bell's palsy is diagnosed by elimination of other reasonable possibilities.

  • 7 What is the recommended diet for Bell's palsy?

    There is no direct link of diet with Bell's palsy. Yet below mentioned diet is recommended for Bell's palsy. Foods to eat- Foods containing enough vitamins and minerals are helpful in minimizing the complications of Bell's palsy. Consume lots of green veggies and fruits. Foods to avoid- Eat less of Arginine rich foods like including walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds etc. Arginine is required by viruses for their multiplication.

    • Avoid foods which cause allergies. Common foods which cause allergies in some individuals are eggs, soy, nuts, wheat, corn, etc.
    • Avoid foods containing preservatives, artificial colours, etc.
    • Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar, fried foods, doughnuts, pastries, bread, candy, soft drinks etc. Avoid coffee, alcohol and smoking.

  • 8 I am 45 years old male and had Bell's palsy 7 years back. It was treated then, however sometimes my face still hurts or sometimes a burning sensation is experienced. I don't want to happen again. How can Bell's palsy be prevented?

    Cause of Bell's palsy is unknown. Hence there is no full proof way to prevent Bell's palsy. Though with prompt consultation with qualified physician to rule out other similar conditions or timely treatment to prevent complications is very helpful.

    If you are experiencing burning and pain, you can start homeopathic medicines immediately so the disease can be arrested in its initial stages. Also a good immunity will not only prevent the disease but will also help to fight the disease. So maintain a good immunity with balanced diet, regular exercises and stress free life. Homeopathy greatly helps in boosting your immunity and fighting the disease.

  • 9 Which Homeopathic medicines are generally used to treat Bell's palsy?

    Homeopathy, today, is considered the best method of treatment available for Bell's palsy, because it takes into consideration not just the symptoms but also the factors causing the Bell's palsy, which is always unique to every individual. It includes all the rare symptoms which seems insignificant to patient but are of great prescribing value. Perfectly chosen HOMEOPATHIC medicines can help to treat Bell's palsy in short period of time with no relapses.

    We have numerous remedies which are differentiated based on their different striking symptoms and individualization. Homeopathic medicines are easy to administer and well proved on human beings. They are side effect free and natural. Doses are minute and suit the individual susceptibility. They do not cause any side effect when properly administered under guidance of expert physician. There are more than 50 remedies for Bell's palsy in our treasury of medicines. Few of our amazing remedies are Dulcamara, Cocculus, Belladona, Cadmium sulphate, Cuprum Metallicum, Aconite, Agaricus, Platina, Causticum, etc.

    Note- It is dangerous to indulge in self medication.

  • 10 How will Homeopathy help me deal with Bell's palsy?

    Homeopathy is a system of medicine which has modern approach to diseases, which is not only natural but also side effect free. It treats the disease in the gentlest possible way. Unlike conventional medicine there is no use of steroids. It treats the patient and not merely the disease. There is no suppression and no recurrence or further damage to body.

    Homeopathy is side effect free and holistic mode of treatment for Bell's Palsy. Homeopathy can treat Bell's palsy efficiently. It can achieve spectacular triumph over Bell's palsy. Homeopathy will regress it and treats it from the roots. It helps in stimulating your vitality and thereby reduces the inflammation of the facial nerve promoting its regeneration and quick healing.

    Homeopathy does not remove Bell's palsy only but it boosts your immune system for treatment of other associated symptoms too. It corrects internal cause by constitutional approach. HOMEOPATHY has given astonishing results to many people with Bell's palsy.

  • 11 What kind of treatment is generally given for Bell's palsy?

    • Conventional method of treatment generally focuses on conservative mode of treatment. Approach of treatment is to provide symptomatic relief to patient and prevent further complications. Mild cases require no treatment and resolves within 2-3 weeks.
    • Steroids like prednisone are useful in some cases along with antiviral medications where viral cause is suspected.
    • Painkillers like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen etc are also prescribed to relieve pain. Lubricating eye drops, artificial tears, eye ointments or gels, and eye patches are also effective for preventing complications in dry eyes.
    • Physiotherapy and facial exercise are beneficial to stimulate facial nerve and increase muscle tone. Facial massage is also important.
    • Decompression surgery may be required in few cases.

    This treatment comes with lots of their own complications and side effects. Most times, their adverse effects will be more than their benefits. Opt for much safer and genuine Homeopathic treatment.

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