09/06/2023
*Bell's Palsy or Facial Paralysis*
Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis is a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It can occur when the nerve that controls the facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed.
The condition causes one side of the face to droop or become stiff. It may have difficulty smiling or closing the eye on the affected side.
Age - 16 to 60yrs
Causes
Bell’s palsy occurs when the 7th cranial nerve becomes swollen or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. The exact cause of this nerve damage is unknown, but many medical researchers Trusted Source believe it’s most likely triggered by a viral infection.
The viruses and bacteria that have been linked to the development of Bell’s palsy include:
- herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and ge***al herpes
- HIV, which damages the immune system
- sarcoidosis, which causes organ inflammation
- herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpoxand shingles
- Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis
- Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can vary in severity, from mild weakness to total paralysis. The more inflammation and compression the facial nerve is exposed to, the more severe the paralysis tends to be, and the longer it takes for the nerve to heal and regain function.
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can develop 1 to 2 weeks after you have a:
- cold
- ear infection
- eye infection
The symptoms usually appear abruptly, and may notice them when wake up in the morning or when try to eat or drink.
Bell’s palsy is marked by a droopy appearance on one side of the face and the inability to open or close eye on the affected side. In rare cases, Bell’s palsy may affect both sides of your face.
Other signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:
- facial weakness
- a droopy mouth
- an inability to make facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning
- difficulty pronouncing certain words
- dry eye and mouth
*Homeopathic Medicines*
*Aconite 30*
It is used in acute conditions in the very beginning when facial paralysis follows from a sudden cold air exposure. Complain of numbness or tingling in face on the affected side. The face also feels cold on the affected side in persons
*Causticum 200*
It is an ideal remedy for longstanding chronic cases of facial paralysis where the person has a history of cold air exposure complications prior to the paralytic symptoms. This remedy can be helpful when facial paralysis has developed gradually (most often on the right side). Opening and closing the mouth can be difficult, and the person may accidentally bite the tongue or the inside of the cheek. The person may be weak but restless, and tends to feel best when keeping warm.
*Hypericum 30*
To deal with facial paralysis because of injury to nerve, the best medicine is Hypericum. It can be of great help in complete recovery of the patient with facial paralysis following injury. Tingling, numbness or burning sensation on the affected side.
*Platina 200*
There is painless paralysis of the face, with facial distortion that raises one eyebrow or creates a “haughty” look. The person may also experience numbness in the lips and cheeks, or other body parts.
Ignatia 200
It is very beneficial in Bell’s Palsy cases triggered by grief , frequent biting inside of cheeks while talking or swallowing. He or she may also have the mouth filled with excess of saliva. Other symptoms of grief like weeping, brooding and sadness are also present.
*Belladonna 30*
Right-sided; dilated pupils, flushed face; grimace; pain comes and goes quickly; pressure, stabbing pain comes and goes in a few seconds; cycles every few seconds. Facial neuralgia with twitching muscles and flushed face.
*Cadmium Sulph 30*
Apoplexy means paralysis arising from a sudden haemorrhagic condition. Cadmium Sulph is one of the best medicines for treating facial paralysis arising out of Apoplexy. There is a distorted face. The swallowing of food is also difficult for such persons. He or she also has difficulty in speaking properly. And there is also an inability to close the eye on the affected side.
*Agaricus 30*
This remedy may be indicated in Bell’s palsy when the facial muscles on one side are stiff, and grimacing or twitching occurs in other parts of the face. People who need this remedy are often excitable, with senses that are over acute.
Homeopathic medicines as per side of face affected in Bell’s Palsy
For right-sided Bell’s Palsy - *Belladona, Causticum and Kali Phos*.
For treating left-sided Bell’s Palsy - *Alumina, Cadmium Sulph and Sulphur*.
*Dr sana Shahzad home pathic consultant
