Bell's paralysis is a disease of the nerves that lead to the brain seventh unilateral facial weakness or paralysis . The development of this disease is very fast .
Although affect all ages , the disease is commonly found in people under the age of 60 years . 80 % to 90 % of patients may recover spontaneously within 1 to 8 weeks , although healing can be delayed in older people .
When healing is only partial , as the contractions may develop partial paralysis on the side of the face . Bell paralysis may occur again , at the same place or different sides of the face .
CAUSE
Bell paralysis inhibits the nervous system of the brain that is responsible as the seventh nerve tract to the facial muscles .
Nerves hampered due to the reaction of infection ( usually on the inside of the ear canal ) that is often associated with infection and produced as a result of internal bleeding , tumors , meningitis or local trauma .
SYMPTOMS
Bell paralysis caused by facial weakness on one side , sometimes with pain around the corner of the lower jaw or behind the ear . On the affected side , drooping mouth ( causing the patient is also on the corner of his mouth droop ) and sensory flavor also disturbed at the front of the tongue .
In addition, the forehead looks smoother , and the ability of the patient to close the eye on the affected side of the face is very limited . When trying to close the eyes , eyes rolling upward ( called Bell's phenomenon ) and result in excessive tearing .
Although Bell's phenomenon occurs in normal people , this phenomenon is not seen as the eye can close completely and cover the eye movement . In Bell's paralysis , not intact eye closure makes this movement is obvious .
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this disease depends on the clinical presentation of the results of the disrupted facial appearance and inability to raise eyebrows , eyelids shut , smile , show teeth , or puffed cheeks .
After 10 days , electromyographic examination can help estimate the expected rate of healing by differentiating conduction damage temporarily with serious infection of the nerve fibers .
TREATMENT
Treatment consisted of dexamethasone , oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling of the facial nerve and improve blood flow and nerve conduction .
After 14 days of dexamethasone therapy , electrotherapy can be done to avoid the occurrence of facial muscle atrophy .
During Dexamethasone therapy , patients may experience side effects , mainly gastrointestinal disorders and pengambatan fluid .
Gastrointestinal disorders occur when the antacid drink at the same time . This method can reduce the interference . If the patient also suffers from diabetes , dexamethasone should be used with caution and with monitoring of blood sugar levels .
