Bell's Palsy

What is Bell's Palsy?

Bell's Palsy is a disorder of the 7th cranial nerve(facial nerve). The nerve suffers damage in the way of becoming swollen, inflammed, or compressed. The swelling and inflammation causes compression of the nerve against the bony tube(Fallopian canal) in which the nerve lies. The exact cause of the damage is not fully known, but scientists believe that it maybe linked to viral meningitis and the common cold sore virus(Herpes Simplex). They think the swelling and inflamation of the facial nerve is a reaction to the initial infection the patient is displaying. This swelling and inflammation in turn causes pressure on the nerve itself which leads to insufficient blood flow and oxygen supply to the nerve leading to death of the nerve cells.

Due to this swelling and inflammation of the facial nerve there is a disruption in the nerve's ability to function properly. Considering that this nerve controls facial muscles and a portion of the tongue's ability to taste, patients will complain of an inibility to taste their food. Usually one side of their face will appear drooping. It is not very common to see the face affected bilaterally with this disorder. The facial paralysis also occurs because of the nerve's inability to relay messages to the brain in order to control the facial muscles.

Reference

Office of Communications and Public Liason. (2009, Dec. 18). Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/detail_bells.htm