Bell’s palsy, or facial paralysis

Bell’s palsy, or facial paralysis

Facial paralysis (palsy) results when the facial nerve is damaged, compressed or inflamed by infection, injury or by an auto-immune response. The facial nerve, seventh of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves, contacts the muscles of the face, the tear glands, salivary glands, tongue and middle ear.

Bell’s palsy, named for Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who identified the disease in 1830, is diagnosed for facial paralysis on one side when other possible causes are ruled out. Other diseases can cause unilateral facial palsy, but Bell’s is the most common. The mouth droops, distorting the smile. It can be difficult to move the brow or to close the eye completely. Sometimes the sense of taste changes or sounds may seem unusually loud.
Bell’s palsy is usually temporary and clears up with or without treatment. Antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs have not been proven effective, but are generally safe and may be helpful if used early. Analgesics can help if the ear is painful. Eyedrops and taping the slack eyelid closed at night helps avoid damage to the eye.

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd

LABEL
Facial nerve (branches outside of skull)

Acupressure for facial paralysis
Here are lists of acupressure points for Face problems, Paralysis, Eye, Mouth on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.

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