Do you need to rest with 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.

What can you not do with Bell's palsy?

DON'T stop taking your medicines or change your dose because you feel better unless your health care provider tells you to. DON'T reduce your activity level. Rest doesn't help Bell's palsy. DON'T stop corticosteroids abruptly; they must be tapered.

What is the fastest way to cure Bell's palsy?

Facial exercises and physical therapy for Bell's palsy help to increase muscle strength and to regain facial coordination from this temporary facial paralysis. Most exercises should be done three or four times a day in short sessions, with up to 30 repetitions per exercise.

Does Bell's palsy make you tired?

People who test negative could still have the Bell's palsy, the fatigue, the excruciating pain in their feet. I used to get out of bed in the morning and scream and I would have to walk on the sides of my feet because it was like glass going through your foot.

What is the normal recovery time for Bell's palsy?

Symptoms appear suddenly over a 48 - 72-hour period and generally start to improve with or without treatment after a few weeks, with recovery of some or all facial function within six months. In some cases, residual muscle weakness lasts longer or may be permanent.

VIDEO: What is Bell's palsy? Symptoms, treatment and recovery

Does sleep help Bell's palsy?

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

You MUST sleep for the nerve to regenerate.

What are the signs that Bell's palsy is getting better?

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.

Does Bell's palsy get worse before it gets better?

Key points about Bell's palsy

Symptoms of facial weakness or paralysis get worse over the first few days and start to improve in about 2 weeks. It can take 3 to 6 months to fully resolve. Medicine and eye care are important in treating Bell's palsy.

What helps with Bell's palsy pain?

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen may relieve pain. Moist heat applied to the affected side may also help. Bell's palsy can interfere with the eye's natural blinking ability, leaving it open to drying, irritation from debris and injury.

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.

Is Bell's Palsy serious?

Bell's palsy temporarily weakens or paralyzes facial muscles. A pinched facial nerve causes this paralysis, or palsy. People with this type of facial nerve palsy develop a droopy appearance on one — or sometimes both — sides of the face. The condition isn't serious and often resolves in a few months without treatment.

Can I work with Bell's palsy?

Because Bell's Palsy doesn't affect a person's strength, the SSA will probably conclude that you can still do a sedentary (sit-down) job. This means that unless you can prove that you have non-strength related limitations that stop you from working, you will be denied.

How can I strengthen the nerve in my face?

Move your lips in different directions. Move your mouth from side to side, up and down, smiling, and in a “kissing pout.” These movements will help your facial muscles regain strength, and because they are natural movements, they can help to promote reactions to the brain.

Should I wear an eye patch with Bell's palsy?

If your eye does not close completely, you should protect it during the day with glasses or goggles. Use a patch over your eye at night, but be sure not to use tape on your eyelid since the patch could slip and scratch the cornea.

Does Bells Palsy hurt when healing?

For those who have prolonged recovery from Bell's palsy, pain may be due to the facial muscles being stiff or tight, and help from a physiotherapist or speech and language therapist who specialises in facial palsy may be beneficial.

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.

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.

Can I drive with Bell's palsy?

It's not advisable to drive when your Bell's palsy symptoms are severe. This is a time to rest and give yourself time to recover. As your symptoms ease you can talk to the doctor about whether it's safe to return to driving.

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.

Does Bell's palsy affect the brain?

In summary, this study provided significant evidence for abnormal brain activity between patients with early left and right Bell's palsy. In addition, the severities of the disease were closely associated with abnormal fALFF values in certain brain regions.

How long does facial nerve damage take to heal?

Most patients should have some recovery within the first 2-4 weeks with medications like oral or intravenous steroids and physical therapy. Complete recovery may take up to 6 months. There are surgical options to repair facial nerve damage if conservative treatments don't work.

What can worsen Bells Palsy?

Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause: Cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex) Chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster)

What side should you sleep on with Bell's palsy?

In general, it does not matter whether you sleep on the side affected by Bell's palsy or on the healthy side. In most cases, there is no special need to prefer one side over the other.

Which vitamin is good for Bell's palsy?

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