How long does the pain last with Bell's palsy?

Most cases resolve in two to three weeks. Approximately 80% of cases resolve within three months. However, some cases persist. In severe cases of Bell's palsy, the facial muscles on the affected side are completely paralyzed, causing that side of the face to become smooth, expressionless and immobile.

How long does nerve pain last with Bell's palsy?

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.

Is it normal to have pain with Bell's palsy?

Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head. Bell's palsy can strike anyone at any age. It occurs most often in pregnant women, and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory ailment. Bell's palsy affects men and woman equally.

What helps Bell's palsy pain?

Treatment options

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.

How do you know when Bells 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.

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

Does Bell's palsy hurt your face when it is 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.

How can I speed up recovery from 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 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.

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.

Does Bell's palsy cause pain in jaw?

Signs and symptoms. Often the first symptom of Bell's palsy is a dull, aching pain around the jaw or in or behind the ear. This can be present for a day or two before facial weakness is noticed.

Why does my ear hurt with Bells Palsy?

General somatic afferents of facial nerve innervate skin of the concha, the posterior external ear canal and a small area behind the ear. But pain around the ear that precedes or develops at the same time as Bell's palsy frequently is beyond the territory of sensory innervations of facial nerve.

Is pain behind the ear normal with Bell's palsy?

The early symptoms of Bell's palsy may include a slight fever, pain behind the ear, a stiff neck, and weakness and/or stiffness on one side of the face.

How long do headaches last with Bells Palsy?

Patients with mild cases of Bell's palsy may not require treatment, as symptoms often disappear by themselves within 2 weeks. More severe cases, however, may need to be treated with physical therapy or steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation.

How can I heal my nerves naturally?

Regular exercise can help to combat pain and improve your overall health. Being active can reduce your blood sugar, which, in turn, can reduce or slow down nerve damage. Exercise also increases blood flow to your arms and legs and reduces stress. These are all factors that help to reduce discomfort and pain.

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.

Does Bell's palsy make you feel weak?

Bell's palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves over weeks. The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop. Smiles are one-sided, and the eye on the affected side resists closing.

Is heating pad good 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.

What is the best medicine for Bell's palsy?

Despite this, an antiviral drug, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) or acyclovir (Zovirax), is sometimes given in combination with prednisone in people with severe facial palsy.

What should you not do if you have 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 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.

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.

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.

Does heat or cold help Bell's palsy?

Treating Bell's Palsy at Home

Using moist heat like MediBeads or even a warm washcloth several times a day can relieve pain and improve circulation. You can also prevent muscle waste, ease pain and maintain your facial tone by using electrical stimulation at home with a TENS unit.