Bell’s Palsy & Stroke

Drs. Elizabeth Ko and Eve Glazier, both M.D.s, MBAs, internists and associate professors of medicine at UCLA Health have given information regarding the symptoms that are shared by Bell’s palsy and having a stroke.

The two are quite different but that dreaded stroke could turn out to be Bell’s palsy.  They cross over in symptoms, which makes it difficult to know which it is. Bell’s palsy is also less known than stroke and that makes it hard to understand.

A type of temporary facial paralysis arising from damage to the facial nerve is called Bell’s palsy.  This is the 7th cranial nerve which animates the muscles we use to make facial expressions. These expressions include smiling, raising our eyebrows, frowning and winking.  It is involved as well in the sense of taste, the functioning of the salivary and tear glands and the muscle of a small bone in the middle of the ear.

It isn’t known what the exact cause is for Bell’s palsy but it occurs when something causes the nerve to become swollen, inflamed or compressed.  A family history of the disorder may play a role but also illness and injury. The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can be quite sudden or the paralysis may take place a few day later.  The dropping of one side of the face can seem much like the effects of a stroke and is accompanied by weakness, numbness or twitching. This may also include headache, mild fever, ringing in the ears, pain behind the ear or near the jaw, drooling and changes to taste and hearing.  There is no way to stop the symptoms.

There are approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. that develop Bell’s palsy every year.  Men and women are affected at an equal rate and usually is common between ages 15 and 60. Those at a greater risk can be people living with diabetes and those recovering from a respiratory ailment, like the cold or flu.  Symptoms are localized and specific.

Traditional medicine feels Bell’s palsy will not require treatment and begins to resolve within two or three weeks following symptoms. The facial nerve functions returns to normal within 3 to 6 months.  We have found that acupuncture treatment may resolve Bell’s palsy much faster. Even though the symptoms can become permanent, it is very rare. In a serious case, steroids such as prednisone can be effective in reducing the inflammation and swelling.

The facial paralysis can affect the eyelid and tear ducts, so it is important to take steps to protect the affected eye from debris and to keep it lubricated.

Dr Fredda Branyon