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Bell's Palsy Research Paper

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Introduction Bell’s Palsy is defined by a temporary, unilateral paralysis of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Inflammation of the facial nerve is unknown although theories about a viral infection or disorders of the immune system have been found in research as possible causes. An MRI or CT scan can be used in order to diagnosis Bell’s Palsy by ruling out any other disorders with the same symptoms such as stroke, Lyme disease, or tumors. The disorder occurs suddenly and without any warning making it impossible for prevention. [1] Sir Charles Bell was the founder of this disorder from his studies of the facial nerve and how the interruptions of the nerve pathway caused paralysis. Bell’s Palsy generally …show more content…

Since this disorder is not inherited, someone may not know they have the disease until they experience facial paralysis. Bell’s Palsy affects both men and women equally and targets people between the ages of 15-60. “About 1 in 60 people have a Bell’s Palsy at some stage in their life.” The inflammation of the facial nerve could have been caused by viral infections such as by the herpes simplex, or cold sore, virus or by the varicella-zoster, or chickenpox, virus. Scientists believe that children who have had these viruses and recovered physically, may not have gotten completely rid of the virus internally. While the virus is still floating around within the body, it usually remains inactive although, sometimes it becomes re-activated. The re-activated virus is the known to target the facial nerve causing it to become inflamed and result in the unilateral facial paralysis, Bell’s Palsy. …show more content…

While the effects are usually painless, it is alarming to someone experiencing these signs and symptoms with no prior diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy. Those who do experience pain report it only as an aching pain and is manageable. The weakness develops fairly quickly and may present itself early in the morning while progressing throughout the day or over the next several days. One may look into the mirror and see one side of their face drooping especially when they smile. Another sign someone may present is the difficulty in speech due to the muscles of the mouth not getting innervation from the facial nerve. The lips and tongue need innervation from the same nerve in order to move in the proper directions to make sounds of various letters to form words. Chewing food could also be affected because of the lack of innervation to the muscles. With the muscles of mastication being weak, food may become stuck or drinks may not be able to be contained within the mouth.

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