{"id":1836,"date":"2018-06-08T07:10:50","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T07:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1836"},"modified":"2021-05-17T17:40:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-17T17:40:18","slug":"9-main-symptoms-of-bells-palsy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/9-main-symptoms-of-bells-palsy\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Main Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The effects of Bell\u2019s Palsy cause the face to droop on one side. Temporary or permanent weakness in your facial muscles results in a one-sided smile and a \u201clazy eye.\u201d Bell\u2019s Palsy develops due to pressure placed on the seventh cranial nerve that runs between the brain and the face via a small opening in the skull. When the cranial nerve becomes inflamed, it presses against the gap and wears away the protective sheath covering the nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the disorder progresses, the brain loses the ability to communicate with the facial muscles and symptoms begin to present themselves rapidly. The exact cause of inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve is still unknown to medical science. However, medical professionals have some consensus on the theory that viral or bacterial infection may induce the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some, the effects of Bell\u2019s Palsy are temporary and subside over a period of a few weeks. In others, the condition may be permanent, reducing the affected individual\u2019s quality of life. Here are 9 main symptoms of Bell\u2019s Palsy, if you experience any of them, seek medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dry Eye Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This disorder comes from a lack of lubrication on the surface of the eye. The resultant irritation <\/a>and inflammation that result from a lack of lubricating fluids can result in scarring of the cornea from scratching the eyelids. Dry eyes syndrome has two specific diagnoses;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Keratitis sicca. A general term describing inflammation and dryness of the cornea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca – When the condition affects both the conjunctiva and cornea.
A recent online poll revealed that up to 48% of Americans, older than 18 years of age, experience some form of dry eye syndrome. The symptoms of DES include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 A burning sensation in the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Intense itching sensation around the eyelids and tear ducts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Heavy or fatigued eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Aching sensations in the eyes.
Bell\u2019s Palsy can temporarily disable control of the muscular system around the eye, and the lower eyelid may turn outward (ectropion), causing the eye to weep. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome will develop if the condition persists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Photophobia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Light sensitivity issues are another symptom of Bell\u2019s Palsy. Inflammation placed on the seventh cranial nerve may spread to nerves and muscles in the ocular system, creating the condition known as photophobia<\/a>. There are many different symptoms of this disorder, ranging from mild to severe. Mild and severe symptoms of photophobia may include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Difficulty in adjusting to bright light after leaving a dark room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Spots or flashes in vision from exposure to bright light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The development of a headache or a migraine from prolonged exposure to well-lit rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Sensitivity to flashing lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other common causes of photophobia include uveitis, corneal abrasion, and central nervous system disorders like meningitis. Contact lens irritations and a detached retina are other disorders associated with the condition. People with lighter iris colors, such as light green and light blue may experience stronger reactions to bright light than those with brown eyes. Polarized sunglasses and light-filter shades for prescription glasses help to reduce the strength of sunlight outdoors and strong indoor lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Blurred Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The loss of muscular control on the affected side of the face results in blurred vision for people living with Bell\u2019s Palsy<\/a>. The condition affects the eyes’ ability to focus, resulting in a loss of vision sharpness and refractive errors like farsightedness, and nearsightedness, as well as presbyopia, or astigmatism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While blurred vision is a common symptom of Bell\u2019s Palsy, it could also be an underlying sign of a more serious neurological disorder or disease. Cloudy vision is not the same condition as blurry vision. Cloudy vision is a result of the development of an adverse eye condition, known as cataracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit your medical professional for an eye exam that includes slit-lamp, and spatial contrast sensitivity tests, as well as Snellen eye chart tests. The results of the test will reveal the extent of the damage to your vision and the severity of the palsy in this area of the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This inflammatory disease comes from both bacterial and viral infections. The condition affects the conjunctiva, the thin lining that covers and lubricates the eyeball. In severe cases of conjunctivitis<\/a>, the eye becomes gunky, and the white part of the eye turns red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms of conjunctivitis include an intense itching sensation in the eye, blurred vision and a droopy eyelid, as well as the production of pus and mucus from the eye. The disease is highly contagious, and outbreaks in nursery schools are frequent, with all of the kids becoming infected at a rapid pace. The children then infect their parents who pass the disease onto other members of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for conjunctivitis may include the use of anti-bacterial and antibiotic eye drops to clear the infection. There is some medical speculation that suggests Bell\u2019s palsy may reduce the function of the eyelids, and removal of bacteria from the eyes due to muscular dysfunction. This muscular dysfunction could lead to higher chance of infection of the conjunctiva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Changes in Taste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pressure exerted on the seventh inter-cranial nerve can spread to other areas of the face, affecting other functions such as taste at the tip of the tongue<\/a>. People living with Bell\u2019s Palsy occasionally report changes in taste, with some stating they now experience revulsion to foods they previously enjoyed, while others claim a taste for foods they disliked. Foods that used to taste sweet, now taste bland, and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals suffering from Bell’s Palsy also report changes to the mouthfeel of certain foods. For example; eating soft foods may now feel rough and dry. The tongue is sensitive to different tastes \u2013 salty, sour, sweet, or bitter. Medical professionals think that Bell\u2019s Palsy interrupts the chemical signals between the tongue and the brain, confusing tastes, smells, and textures of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Bell\u2019s Palsy subsides, the changes in taste should revert to providing the individual with their previous experience. However, in some rare cases, the changes can be permanent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Twitching Facial Muscles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s entirely normal for people to experience involuntary muscular twitches. These disturbances are known as tics or twitches<\/a>, and most of the time, their presence is random and harmless. However, people living with Bell\u2019s Palsy are exposed to the development of tic and twitch disorders in the facial area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disruption of nerve signals from the brain, through the seventh cranial nerve to the face, results in tic disorders of the eyelids. With this condition, the eyelid uncontrollably flutters for seconds at a time. Tic disorders can be managed with stress reduction techniques and avoid over-straining of the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motor tic disorders can include symptoms such as nose-twitching, eye-blinking, shoulder-shrugging, or head-jerking. They are repetitive behavior that reoccurs and must be addressed with conscious observation and management of the disorder to repress the tic movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twitch disorders are known as myoclonic jerks, and they are entirely voluntary movements that cannot be suppressed or controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Dull Pain Behind the Ear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the initial symptoms of Bell\u2019s Palsy is an aching sensation behind the ear. Individuals describe the ache as a slow, progressive, throbbing pain that intensifies over a period of 48 to 72-hours. The ache can persist for two to three days before any other symptoms of Bell\u2019s Palsy occur. Shortly after that, individuals may begin to experience facial weakness and the further onset of symptoms associated with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twelve pairs of nerves originating from the base of the brain <\/a>are responsible for a variety of specialist functions such as managing the vestibular system and controlling the muscular system of the face, including the cheeks, jaw, and eyes. The seventh cranial nerve controls facial expressions, closing of the eyelid, production of tears and saliva, as well as the sensation of taste in the front area of the tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ear pain may be confused with other disorders that may affect the vestibular system, the three canals situated behind the ear that controls balance and spatial awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Adult Speech Impairment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Damage to the facial nerves due to inflammation associated with Bell\u2019s Palsy can affect vocal communication as well. Examples of speech disorders resulting from Bell’s Palsy are; slowed or slurred speech<\/a>, a hoarse voice, or sutured speech. Speech impediments are a common symptom of Bell\u2019s Palsy. The inability to control the muscles around the lips of the mouth and tip of the tongue reduce clarity and definition of speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of impaired speech can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, such as a stroke. People that experience and sudden onset of speech loss should consult with a medical professional immediately.
Speech disorders have three different classifications. Dysarthria describes choppy or slurred speech, aphasia, defines the inability to comprehend and express language, as well as spasmodic dysphonia, the cause of a dry, tight, and hoarse voice. The symptoms of vocal disorders will fade as the Palsy subsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Loss of Feeling in One Side of the Face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bell\u2019s palsy primarily affects the seventh cranial nerve<\/a>, but inflammation may spread to other facial nerves as well, resulting in further complications to the function of facial muscles. It\u2019s common for people suffering from Bell\u2019s Palsy to experience numbness or loss of feeling on the affected side of the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals describe this feeling as a lack of touch sensation; they are aware if someone or something touches their face, they are just unable to feel it. The numbness may intensify across a wider area of the face as the inflammation of the facial nerves reaches its peak. As the inflammation of the cranial nerve subsides, the face will regain its feeling of touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, where the inflammation has damaged the nerve sheath, a slight feeling of numbness may remain after the condition dissipates completely. If you are concerned about facial paralysis, visit your medical health professional for further analysis of your disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Difficulty Eating and Drinking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are suffering from Bell\u2019s Palsy report issues with eating and drinking. Since they have no control over the facial muscles on one side of the face, they may find it difficult to chew \u2013 especially on tough foods like meat and bread which require plenty of jaw movement to break down the food inside the mouth<\/a>. Because they have no control, they may also need to chew with their mouth open as well. The patient may even notice that they dribble from the corner of the mouth on the affected side of the face. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, people with Bell\u2019s palsy may feel embarrassed about dining in social situations, as they frequently have to cover their mouth with a napkin to prevent dribbling or the embarrassment of chewing with an open mouth. Unfortunately, there are no drugs available to assist with this condition, and affected individuals have to learn how to cope with these symptoms.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Sensitivity to Sound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bell\u2019s palsy affects the twelve pairs of nerves <\/a>that start at the base of the brain. These nerves are responsible for a variety of functions, such as controlling the muscles of the face and managing the vestibular system. The vestibular system also controls how we experience sound. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aberrations in these nerves can cause sensitivity to sound in patients dealing with the effects of Bell\u2019s palsy. As a result of this dysfunction, patients may find that they experience pain when exposed to loud noises, such as music emanating from speakers at a rock concert.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no known drug therapy to assist the patient in coping with loud noises, so it\u2019s best to avoid environments and situations where you risk exposure to loud noises. If you have to travel to a noisy event, bring along a pair of ear mufflers or noise-canceling headphones. This strategy will protect your vestibular system from all of the commotions.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Headache<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of Bell\u2019s Palsy, frequently experience the onset of headaches <\/a>or migraines. Once again, these symptoms come down to changes in the nerves affecting the vestibular system. When these nerves suffer tension due to the paralysis, they contract, creating symptoms of a tension headache.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These headaches can last for hours or days depending on the severity of the underlying condition. As a result, the patient may also develop further symptoms of sensitivity to light and sound that dramatically reduce their quality of life. In some patients, the symptoms may be so severe that they need to remain at home, and relax in a darkened room to avoid external stimulus increasing their symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors can treat extreme headache and pain with painkillers. However, many doctors don\u2019t like their patients to become dependent on drug therapies for dealing with their condition. The recent surge in opioid medications means that doctors are hesitant to prescribe painkillers out of the fear that their patient may become dependent on these drugs.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Herpes Simplex<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bell\u2019s Palsy has numerous contributing factors that can lead to the onset of the condition. Herpes simplex<\/a> virus is one of the leading causes for the development of Bell\u2019s palsy. Many people who live with Herpes Simplex, don\u2019t realize they have the infection. These individuals may be carriers, or the disease chooses not to present symptoms. In some cases, Herpes simplex can lie dormant for years before showing any noticeable signs of infection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients with Herpes simplex infection run the risk of developing other diseases and disorders if they don\u2019t receive treatment for the condition. While uncommon, Bell\u2019s Palsy is one of the associated complications of the disease. Doctors who diagnose Bell\u2019s palsy in patients will complete bloodwork tests to check for the presence of Herpes simplex and treat the condition going forward.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If diagnosed with Herpes simplex, you may want to inform your partner, as the disease spreads through sexual contact, and you could either risk infecting your partner.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Lyme Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lyme disease<\/a> is another frequently diagnosed condition that leads to the development of Bell\u2019s Palsy. The disease occurs due to infection with the bacteria, \u201cBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.\u201d This bacteria transfers to humans through the bite of the black-legged or deer tick, which becomes infected with the bacterium after feeding on infected rodents or deer. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The infected tick must remain attached to the patient for 24 to 48-hours to transfer the disease. However, some people don\u2019t feel the parasite on their skin because the tick secretes numbing chemicals through its mandibles, numbing the affected area from any pain. As a result, many people with Lyme disease don\u2019t even remember the bite.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the early stages of the disease, symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, and pain are common. If left untreated, the condition may progress into the advanced stage, where it starts to cause issues with the nervous system \u2013 leading to the onset of Bell\u2019s Palsy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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