What is Bell’s Palsy?
Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MANc
Bell’s Palsy also known as facial nerve paralysis is a cranial nerve disorder. It involves the cranial nerve seven, which causes weakness and paralysis of the facial muscle. The cause is unknown. Possible causes maybe viral, such such herpes simplex or herpes zoster. Other possible causes maybe because of vascular ischemia (lack of circulation) or due to an autoimmune disorder (alterations in immunity). Individuals who are afflicted with this disorder will have problems in moving the facial muscle and will cause discomfort in making facial expressions.
Spontaneous recovery may be possible within 3 to 5 weeks using corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation that may restore the circulation of the blood. Patients may experience facial pain, which may be controlled by analgesics.
Electrical stimulation may also be helpful to prevent muscle atrophy (muscle wasting) since the facial muscles are not being used. A surgical exploration by using surgical decompression of the facial nerve may be done to clients with tumors, which causes lack of circulation in the nerve.
*REFERENCE:
Nurse’s Notes: Medical Surgical Nursing by Carlo-Jojo N. Quinto, RN, MANc
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