Bell’s palsy is caused by sudden, unexplained weakness of the facial muscle. Bell’s palsy affects half of the face and is usually temporary. It can affect people of all age groups. Bell’s palsy results in a droopy appearance on one or both sides of the face. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy appear suddenly and become severe within 48 to 72 hours. Smiling, wrinkling of the forehead, and blinking become tough during this time. Symptoms usually go away within a few weeks to six months. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of Bell’s palsy.
How is Bell's Palsy Caused?
The exact Bell’s palsy reasons are not known. However, the common causes of Bell’s palsy are inflammation, swelling, and compression of the seventh cranial nerve (nerve present on both sides of the face and controls facial movements and expressions). When one of these nerves becomes inflamed, symptoms related to Bell’s palsy can occur. Types of viral infection that can act as a trigger for Bell’s palsy are:
- Herpes simplex 1 virus infection
- Cytomegalovirus infection
- Respiratory infection caused by adenoviruses
- Shingles and chicken pox caused by Varicella zoster virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- COVID-19 virus infection
- Flu caused by the influenza virus
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease caused by coxsackievirus
Other triggers that can cause Bell’s palsy include:
- Stress
- Autoimmune disease
- Sleep deprivation
- Physical trauma
- Illness
Risk factors responsible for Bell’s palsy may include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Past history of Bell’s palsy
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy disappear within a month, but recovery in severe cases where the entire face is paralysed may vary. Complications include
- Irreversible damage to facial nerves
- Irregular regrowth of nerve fibres, like involuntary muscle contractions
- Loss of vision in the affected eye due to dryness and scratching
Conclusion
Bell's palsy is characterised by sudden and unexplained facial muscle weakness, typically affecting one side of the face. While its exact cause remains uncertain, it is often linked to inflammation, swelling, and compression of the seventh cranial nerve, which is crucial for facial movements. While most cases resolve within months, severe cases can lead to complications. Timely medical evaluation and care are crucial for managing Bell's palsy. Having a health insurance policy can help cover the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring access to necessary medical care without financial burden.
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