Can I take ibuprofen with Bell's palsy?

Medicines like acetaminophen (pain reliever and fever reducer) and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may relieve any pain associated with Bell's palsy.
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What helps with pain from Bell's palsy?

Steroids to reduce inflammation. Antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir. Analgesics or moist heat to relieve pain. Physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve.
...
Such treatment may include:
  • Relaxation.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Electrical stimulation.
  • Biofeedback training.
  • Vitamin therapy, including B12, B6, and the mineral zinc.
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Can anti inflammatories help with Bells Palsy?

Commonly used medications to treat Bell's palsy include: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone. These are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. If they can reduce the swelling of the facial nerve, the nerve will fit more comfortably within the bony corridor that surrounds it.
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What is the best medicine for Bell's palsy?

Patients with Bell's palsy should be treated within three days of the onset of symptoms with a seven-day course of oral acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), plus a tapering course of oral prednisone.
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What should you avoid if you have Bell's palsy?

Avoid stringy, chewy foods and those with pips, skins, shells, or husks, (e.g. raw tomatoes, lettuce, chewy meats, sweet corn, peas, baked beans). You may find rice and dry, crumbly foods difficult and they can cause coughing.
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Don't wait -- surgical options exist for Bell's palsy



Is sleep good for Bell's palsy?

The 5 Musts-Do's When First Diagnosed with Bell's Palsy:

You MUST sleep for the nerve to regenerate.
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Does rest help Bell's palsy?

When first diagnosed with Bell's palsy you should understand that you are unwell. It is important to get plenty of rest even if you have no other symptoms. You should also maintain a healthy diet. If you are at work or school, it may be necessary to take some time to recover.
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Can Advil help Bells Palsy?

Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by Bell's palsy.
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What is the fastest way to get rid of Bell's palsy?

Immediate Bell's Palsy Treatment

After it's been determined that Bell's palsy is causing the facial paralysis, the doctor needs to prescribe a high dose of steroids as well as an anti-viral medication such as Valtrex.
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When does Bell's palsy pain go away?

Symptoms usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months. A small number of people continue to have some Bell's palsy symptoms for life.
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Why is Bell's palsy so painful?

This condition results from damage to the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve). Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head. Bell palsy can affect anyone at any age.
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Will muscle relaxers help Bell's palsy?

Muscle relaxants (or relaxers) are depressants that prevent muscle spasms. They're typically used for acute pain in the neck and back and can also treat chronic spasticity (muscle stiffness) caused by central nervous disorders like Bell's palsy or fibromyalgia.
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How do I know if my Bell's palsy is healing?

In the majority of cases, facial paralysis from Bell's palsy is temporary. You're likely to notice gradual improvement after about two weeks. Within three months, most people have recovered full motion and function of their face. A delay in recovery is often accompanied by some form of abnormal facial function.
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Is headache common with Bell's palsy?

Pain — Some people experience headaches with Bell's palsy and others suffer localized pain behind the ear or near the jaw of the affected side. Pain behind the ear may occur prior to facial drooping.
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Is ice or heat better for Bell's palsy?

Apply low heat, such as a gel pack or heating pad, to help relieve pain and swelling. Gently massage the area. Talk to your doctor if you have severe pain.
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Does caffeine affect Bell's palsy?

Thus, the possible protective effect of caffeine consumption on the risk of Bell's palsy could mediate the negative association between Bell's palsy and alcohol consumption in this study.
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Can Ice packs help Bells Palsy?

Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the area every 3 to 4 hours, for up to 20 minutes at a time. Try gentle facial massage to help you get back more muscle movement as you recover. Acupuncture, electrical stimulation or biofeedback training may help.
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What vitamins are good for Bell's palsy?

Vitamin B12 injections have been shown to be beneficial for people with Bell's palsy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve degeneration, and both oral and injected vitamin B12 have been used to treat many types of nerve disorders.
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Is it normal for your face to hurt with Bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis that begins suddenly and worsens over three to five days. This condition results from damage to the 7th (facial) cranial nerve, and pain and discomfort usually occurs on one side of the face or head.
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Can lack of sleep cause Bell's palsy?

Most scientists believe that reactivation of an existing (dormant) viral infection may cause the disorder. Impaired immunity from stress, sleep deprivation, physical trauma, minor illness or autoimmune syndromes are suggested as the most likely triggers.
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Should I go to the ER for Bell's palsy?

There are conditions, such as stroke, that may look like Bell's palsy and are medical emergencies. Therefore, you should seek emergent medical care if you notice facial weakness or drooping. Although Bell's palsy can be alarming, it's rarely serious.
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Is Bell's palsy caused by stress?

Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition in which the seventh facial nerve is not working properly, causing paralysis of one side of your face. Most people don't know that Bell's Palsy is most often brought on by stress and over use of your brain.
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Can Covid 19 cause Bell's palsy?

But, COVID-19 can also present with other central nervous system manifestations such as stroke, encephalo-myelitis, or peripheral nervous manifestations such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Bell's palsy.
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How can I strengthen the nerve in my face?

Facial Stimulation
  1. Step 1: Begin by trying to move every part of your face slowly and gently.
  2. Step 2: Use your fingers to gently lift your eyebrows. ...
  3. Step 3: Using your fingers, gently massage the different parts of your face, including your forehead, nose, cheeks, and mouth.
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