Charles Bell's Palsy Essay

The human body is made up of many organ systems that consist of organs and tissues of different anatomies and diverse nomenclature. These organs systems, organs and tissues are prone to thousands of diseases, and one of these diseases is cerebral palsy, which is a disease of the nervous system in simple terms. Research relating to cerebral palsy is carried out, whereby the disorder is described, along with its history, and how it affects the nervous system and the brain. The anatomy of the body systems involves with regard to this disorder, the effects of the disorder on these body systems and other body systems are also researched and discussed. Furthermore, the research focuses on the causes of cerebral palsy, its complications, signs, and symptoms, and the diagnosis of the disorder, along with its treatment and side effects of the treatment. A recap of the research focusing on prevention strategies, the anatomy and physiology of cerebral palsy and the nervous system is presented.

These include genetic defects, hormonal factors, medications, some infections, exposure to ultraviolet B light, and chemical exposure. Some of the infections that are suspected triggers are the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, and hepatitis C. Some known chemical exposures include trichloroethylene found in well water and silica dust.

In the initial symptoms which are the most common are having difficulty in walking, numbness(pins and needles) and eyesight becoming worse. The less common syptoms consists of tremor, loss of coordination, speaking disorders, paralysis, not being able to think, reason or even remember. Finally all the others are rarely to happen(uncommon) and they are dizziness, difficulty while swallowing, constant headaches, problems hearing, itchiness, pain, seizures, sexuality problems.

medicine was not as strong and my family did not catch this until the end of the year. When I went to the doctor he

Patients with Bell's palsy typically complain of weakness or complete paralysis of all the muscles on only one side of the face. The normal facial creases and folds disappear, and more noticeably, the corner of the mouth droops (Peter & Weir, 2002).The eyelids will not close and the lower lid sags which leads to a common disorder known as dry eye. This dry eye often results from lack of lubrication and constant

There is no cure for primary lateral sclerosis. Treatment will be focused on controlling your symptoms, slowing down the progression of the disease, and helping you maintain your movement abilities. Treatment may include:

• Surgery to cut soft tissue that is compressing the nerve. This is usually only done if other treatment methods are ineffective.

They may develop alone or in combination, but as the disease progresses, all are usually present. There is no true paralysis. The symptoms are always bilateral but usually involve one side early in the illness. Because the onset is insidious, the beginning of symptoms is difficult to document. Early in the disease, reflex status, sensory status, and mental status usually are normal. Postural abnormalities (flexed, forward leaning), difficulty walking, and weakness develop. Speech may be slurred. Autonomic-neuroendocrine symptoms include inappropriate diaphoresis, orthostatic hypotension, drooling, gastric retention, constipation, and urinary retention. Depression is also prevalent.

but medicine and therapy can help to slow the disease down from progressing and lower the pain of symptoms(Frey 742;Alan;Jacoby 1142). Medicine such as Interferon betas and immunosuppressives are used to slow the progression down(Alan;HDC 1133-1134). Corticosteroids are taken to help reduce the inflammation during active phases(Frey 742;Alan; Jacoby 1142; HDC 1133-1134). Spasticity can be treated with Muscle relaxants(Frey 742; Alan; HDC 1133-1134). In this case Botox injections can help reduce some symptoms( Alan; MSHC).Therapies can also be another huge factor to decrease the progression. Therapies include speech therapy, occupational therapy ,and massage therapy(Frey;741-742;Alan).There are tons of other medications and therapies

So what is Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is a form facial paralysis. Most of the times it only affects one side of your face but in some rare cases it affects both. Bell's palsy occurs when 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve) starts acting up because “something” irritates it. I say “something” because it is not exactly sure what causes Bell's palsy. Researchers have come to believe that it is sometime type of Herpes simplex virus. The scary thing is that once you get bell's palsy there is always a chance of reoccurance. So you can get it multiple times.

Exact cause remains unidentified, however it is believed that the patient’s genes and environment may be contributing factors.

caused by an overacting immune system and is actually an autoimmune where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue.

It is caused by a herpesvirus called the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV is a part of the

Research is also being done to help with the curing of Bell’s Palsy. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) performs extensive research in order to better the understanding of how the nervous system works and what causes dysfunction in the nervous system. Some of this research entails learning more about what causes nerve damage and certain diseases and conditions that cause nerve damage. Information gained from this research can aid neurologists to find the cause of Bell’s Palsy, which would obviously lead to better treatments (NINDS, 2011).

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is brain damage. It cannot be cured, it is not contagious, it is not a disease, and it does not get worse. According to Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, "Cerebral Palsy is a broad term for various nonprogressive disorders of motor function in people, resulting from brain damage around the time of birth. Damage to the brain could occur before, during, or shortly after birth"(“Cerebral”). Since the damage is done during the brain’s formation, and occurs in the part of the brain that controls motor and muscle functions, people with CP might have problems with motor skills, muscle tone, muscle weakness, reflexes, balance, excessive drooling, difficulties swallowing or speaking, shaking, tremors, and