Why does Bell's palsy hurt so much?

Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It begins suddenly and worsens over 48 hours. 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.

Is pain normal 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.

How long does the pain last with Bells Palsy?

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. Rarely, Bell's palsy occurs more than once.

How can I ease the pain of Bell's 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.

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.

2-Minute Neuroscience: Bell's Palsy

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.

Does ibuprofen help Bell's palsy?

Does ibuprofen help Bell's palsy? Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by Bell's palsy.

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 do you know 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 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.

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.

Why does my face feel bruised with Bell's palsy?

In Bell's palsy there is inflammation around the facial nerve and this pressure causes facial paralysis on the affected side. Facial nerve palsy is the most common acute condition involving only one nerve, with Bell's palsy being the most common cause of acute facial paralysis.

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.

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.

How do you relax facial nerves?

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.

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.

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.

What will a neurologist do for Bell's palsy?

Your neurologist will evaluate the degree of facial weakness and also assess your overall neuromuscular function. Then they may request additional tests, including: Blood work (lab tests) to check for signs of infection that could be causing the symptoms.

When does Bell's palsy get better?

Generally, Bell's palsy affects only one side of the face; however, in rare cases, it can affect both sides. 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.

How quickly do steroids work for Bell's palsy?

Treatment with prednisolone for Bell's palsy within 72 hours significantly reduced the number of patients with mild to moderate severity of palsy at 12 months when we assessed the condition of patients with the Sunnybrook scale and the House-Brackmann grading system.

Why do the muscles in my face hurt?

Possible causes of facial pain. Facial pain is common and often the result of headaches and injuries. However, other causes of facial pain include nerve conditions, jaw and dental problems, and infections. Facial pain can originate from a specific area of the face, or it may radiate from another part of the head.

What should I 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.

Can I get disability for Bell's palsy?

Bell's Palsy that has caused severe and lasting nerve damage may make an applicant eligible for disability.