Definition
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness and paralysis on one side of the face, men and women equally.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for Bell's palsy include:
Family members who have Bell's palsy
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Cold or flu (most common / winter season)
Weakened immune system
Symptoms
Bell's palsy symptoms may come on suddenly or develop over a few days. Initial symptoms may include:
Pain behind the ear that precedes the weakness and paralysis
Ringing sound in the ears
Slight fever
Slight hearing impairment
Symptoms of full-blown Bell's palsy may include:
Facial weakness or paralysis:
Usually on one side
Forehead is smooth
Not able to smile
Numbness just before the weakness starts
Drooping corner of the mouth
Drooling
Tearing
Inability to close an eye, which can lead to:
The eye becoming dehydrated
Ulcers forming on the cornea
Infection
Possible loss of the eye
Dry eye
Impaired taste
Sound sensitivity in one ear
Earache
Difficulty speaking
Grading of Bells Palsy
House-Brackmann Scale
Our main measuring instrument is the House-Brackmann grading scale which
goes from I (normal) to VI (no movement).
Grade & Definition
I Normal symmetrical function in all areas
II Slight weakness noticeable only on close inspection Complete eye closure with minimal effort Slight asymmetry of smile with maximal effort Synkinesis barely noticeable, contracture, or spasm absent
III Obvious weakness, but not disfiguring May not be able to lift eyebrow Complete eye closure and strong but asymmetrical mouth movement with maximal effort Obvious, but not disfiguring synkinesis, mass movement or spasm
IV Obvious disfiguring weakness Inability to lift brow Incomplete eye closure and asymmetry of mouth with maximal effort Severe synkinesis, mass movement, spasm
V Motion barely perceptible Incomplete eye closure, slight movement corner mouth Synkinesis, contracture, and spasm usually absent
VI No movement, loss of tone, no synkinesis, contracture, or spasm
House, J.W. and Brackmann, D.E. (1985) Facial nerve grading system.
Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg., 93, 146–147.
TREATMENT: முக - பயிற்சிகள்
