Bells Palsy: Bells Palsy (NEWS REPORT ITEM)

What Are the Treatments for Bell's Palsy? - By China Zmuida, When you first suffer from Bell's palsy, you may think that you're having a stroke. Initial symptoms begin with your face feeling stiff. Half of your face will droop, and you will be unable to close your eye on the affected side. Tears will drip from your eye. If paralysis and weakness are only present in your face, then you are more than likely suffering from Bell's palsy. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 40000 Americans develop Bell's palsy every year. In most cases, symptoms of Bell's palsy will resolve within a few months. Some people, however, will need treatment to combat symptoms. Medications (1) .If swelling is severe along with your other symptoms, your physician may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of your facial nerves. If your symptoms are caused by a virus, then your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. If Bell's palsy is treated early, you may be given a combination of corticosteroids and antiviral medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids seem to be more effective. Physical Therapy (2.) Bell's palsy can lead to paralysis of your facial muscles. Over a prolonged period, your facial muscles can shrink and shorten. It is important to have these muscles massaged. Working with a physical therapist on exercising your facial muscles can help prevent permanent muscle damage. Moist heat applied to muscles that ache can also help ...