Bell's Palsy
April 19th 2011 04:12
Karyl of Mandaluyong asks: "What is Bell's Palsy?"
Bell's Palsy is a manifestation of facial nerve damage. This nerve (the seventh cranial nerve) originates from our brainstem, and is responsible for innervating our muscles of facial expression. In the event that the facial nerve is lesioned, we can expect paralysis of the facial muscles. Sagging of the face on the affected side is common. One cannot smile properly nor raise his eyebrow significantly. Drooling of saliva is observabable. An individual affected by this condition cannot effectively close his eye on the affected side, and so dryness and infection of the eye may ensue. The facial nerve also controls autonomic functions like lacrimation and salivation, and so such functions can be affected at times. Taste can also be impaired in Bell's Palsy, if a branch of the nerve supplying the tongue is impaired.
Facial nerve damage can be caused by trauma, head infection and inflammation especially in the parotid or oral area. They say that cold temperature can impair signal transmission by the nerves, and therefore is a factor.
Nevertheless a Bell's palsy patient is not suppose to have sensory abnormalities on the face. If a person feels otherwise, then we might consider other conditions.
To be continued....
FACIAL EXERCISES
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