Bell's Palsey is an idiopathic lower motor neuron lesion of the facial nerve that causes sudden onset facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. It is caused by trauma or inflammation of the facial nerve from a viral infection. Common symptoms include an inability to smile, frown, or close one eye. Treatment focuses on resting, hydration, and potentially steroids or antivirals to reduce inflammation. Most cases resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, though eye drops and protective eyewear may be needed if blinking is impaired.

1. Bell’
s Palsey

3. Defination
Idiopathic lower motor neuron lesion of facial nerve
The lower motor neuron (LMN) is the efferent neuron
of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that connects
the central nervous system (CNS) with the muscle to
be innervated. The entire function of the CNS is
manifested through the lower motor neuron.

4. Epidemiology
• The disease affects men and women in equal numbers
• Effect any side of the face.
• Pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, and those with
upper respiratory ailments* are more commonly affected.
• It’s caused by some kind of trauma to the seventh cranial
nerve.
• People how are recovering from viral infection(common cold).
*ailments =an illness

5. Etiology
• Idiopathic (Actual cause is unknown)
• Virus infection
(HSV-1) HSV causing mechanical compression and possible
demyelination and ischemia of the facial nerve in the geniculate
ganglion.
• Autoimmune disease.

7. Signs &Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy come on suddenly and may include:
• Facial paralysis
Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of face occurring
within hours to days
• Facial droop and difficulty making facial expressions,
• Unable to closing eye completely on effected side.
• Sagging of corner of mouth on effect side.
• Drooling of saliva.
• Loss of forehead wrinkle on effected side.
• Flattening of nasolabial furrow on effected side.
• Pain around the jaw or in or behind your ear on the affected side
• Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
• Headache
• A decrease in your ability to taste
• Changes in the amount of tears and saliva.
• Fail to whistle.
• In rare cases, Bell's palsy can affect the nerves on both sides of your face.

8. Treatment
• Advice the patient to take rest and intake plenty of
fluid.
• 70-80% recover spontaneously with in 2-12 weeks.
1. Pharmacologic Treatment
2. Non-pharmacologic Treatment

9. Pharmacologic Treatment

10. Non-pharmacologic Treatment
• Physical therapy- involving facial exercises and massage may
be an option, although the effectiveness is not known.
• Surgery- decompression surgery was an option to relieve stress
on the facial nerve, but the benefits currently do not outweigh
the risks.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and
• Acupuncture
• Methylcobalamin (Vit-B12 ) and other vitamins including Vit-B6;
zinc; hyperbaric oxygen; mime therapy; and botulinum toxin also
use.
• Mime therapy aims to develop a conscious connection between
the use of certain muscles and facial emotional expression.

11. Eye
Care:
• Often, patients are unable to completely close their
eyelids resulting in dryness or irritation. Therefore,
patients should be instructed to use eye lubricants
such as artificial tears hourly and eye ointments at
night and also tape shut the eye over night.
• In addition, patients may need to wear full-protection
goggles to protect against foreign objects.
• Finally, patients should protect their eyes from direct
sunlight by wearing sunglasses when outside for
extended periods.
• These precautions should be continued until the facial
paralysis is resolved.2

12. FurtherReading
 https:/
/www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-bells-palsy-symptoms
 https:/
/www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-
causes/syc-20370028
 https:/
/www.uspharmacist.com/article/bells-palsy-to-treat-or-not-to-treat