If you or your loved is suffering from Bell’s Palsy then you should know that you have the option of traditional medicines as well as functional chiropractic treatment for Bell’s Palsy. In both cases you can have the condition treated but in the latter you will find more than treatment, you will find an in-depth therapeutic process that focuses on internal CNS adjustments to ensure that the condition does not recur.
It was first discovered by a Scottish surgeon named Sir Charles Bell in the 19th century, hence the name. It denotes a form of facial paralysis which is mostly temporary unless it gets too severe to control. The paralysis is a result of damage or trauma caused to the 7th cranial nerve or facial nerves which direct the muscles on either side of the face. They are responsible for facial actions like frowning and smiling, and eye movements. The nerves also carry impulses to the tear glands, the saliva glands and to the muscles of the stapes bone in the ear. In short, they are important for most sensory actions and damage to these nerves can be devastating for normal functions. Bell’s Palsy treatmentfocuses on stopping these interruptions of proper messages from the brain which otherwise leads to facial paralysis.
In most cases, it affects one side of the face causing the muscles to droop and disrupting visual, aural and taste functions. It looks similar to stroke ortransient ischemic attack but is less severe that those two conditions. It may happen suddenly and recede in a few weeks unless the case is very severe. You may start feeling weakness on one side of your face, your smile may droop and find it difficult to open or close your eyes. Consult a doctor right away if you begin to feel these symptoms. Other symptoms include:
- Drooling
- Extreme eye conditions like dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Loss of taste ability
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Increased sensitivity to sound
- Difficulty in making proper facial expressions
- Numbness in the face
- Headache
Bell’s palsy can affect any age group. Swelling, inflammation or infection of the nerve can trigger the condition suddenly. Treatmentbegins with the thorough analysis of the system to determine the probable causes.
- Viral infection from cold sores, chicken pox, genital herpes, shingles, Cytomegalovirus infections, Mononucleosis, Respiratory illnesses, Mumps, German measles, Flu, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
- Inflammation of the facial nerves
- Pregnancy
- Genetic predisposition
- Autoimmune disorder
Treatment for Bell’s Palsy
A study of the symptoms is carried out simultaneously with a series of advanced lab tests to determine the causes. The tests are also done to rule out the possibility of other serious conditions. A complete neurological exam is combined with physical tests to delve deep into the level of progress. In serious cases, doctors also conduct MRI and CT scans along with the blood tests.
Functional neurology and advanced chiropractic treatment has a twofold focus. One is to adjust and realign the nervous system so that the interruptions in CNS communication are stopped. The other is to plan out a proper diet for the patient so that the body gets back all the nutrients it needs to fight and recuperate with the help of clinical nutrition. Bell’s Palsy treatment also includes facial exercises, eye and mouth care to enhance the therapeutic process.
Written by: +Tony Salamay
