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.

How do you know when Bell's palsy is improving?

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.

What is the usual progression of 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.

How do you speed up Bells Palsy recovery?

Most people with Bell's palsy recover fully — with or without treatment. There's no one-size-fits-all treatment for Bell's palsy. But your health care provider may suggest medications or physical therapy to help speed your recovery. Surgery is rarely an option for Bell's palsy.

Is recovery from Bell's palsy gradual or sudden?

The majority of people who develop Bell's palsy recover without treatment. You should notice a gradual lessening of symptoms within a few weeks. Depending on the extent of nerve damage, full recovery can take two to six months. Some symptoms last longer, and some people never fully recover.

Bell's Palsy Explained Clearly - Exam Practice Question

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.

How long should you take prednisone for Bell's palsy?

The recommended dose of prednisone for the treatment of Bell palsy is 1 mg/kg or 60 mg/day for 6 days, followed by a taper, for a total of 10 days. Caution should be used in patients with any of the following: Tuberculosis.

Why is my Bell's palsy not going away?

Bell's palsy usually starts to improve in 2 weeks but may take 3 to 6 months to return to normal. If there is no improvement or if any symptoms worsen, it is important to tell your healthcare provider.

Does a heating pad help 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.

How can I strengthen the nerve in my face?

When should I worry about Bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke, but it can cause similar symptoms. If you have facial weakness or drooping, see your health care provider if you have facial weakness or drooping to find out the underlying cause and severity of the illness.

Should you 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.

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.

What vitamins are 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.

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.

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.

Is ice good for Bell's palsy?

The ice should help reduce the inflammation surrounding the facial nerve which may be responsible for the loss of nerve impulse conduction leading to facial weakness. At The Physio Company we can assess, treat and monitor your condition from the acute onset of Bell's Palsy through the various stages of recovery.

How do you drink water with Bell's palsy?

If you have bilateral facial palsy then the information applies to both sides. Kapi-cup – helping you drink without tipping your head back. It is often easier to drink from a thin-lipped cup or glass, for example, a fine bone china cup or mug with a wide brim.

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 Bell's palsy cause pain behind ear?

Signs & Symptoms

The early symptoms of Bell's palsy may include a slight fever, pain behind the ear and weakness on one side of the face. The symptoms may begin suddenly and progress rapidly over several hours and sometimes follow a period of stress or reduced immunity. The whole side of the face is affected.

Can Bell's Palsy lead to other problems?

But, Bell's palsy has also been associated with headaches, chronic middle ear infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, tumors, and Lyme disease, among other things, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) .

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.

Does your face swell with Bell's palsy?

With Bell's palsy, the nerve that controls your facial muscles, which passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to your face, becomes inflamed and swollen — usually related to a viral infection.

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.