The condition called Bell’s Palsy affects approximately 4,000 people each year. Its cause is an inflammation of the facial (seventh) cranial nerve. Since dental clinicians may see patients who have (or have had) this condition, the following are some interesting facts. Inflammation of the nerve causes weakness in the muscles on that side of the face. The condition can be mild and resolve in 1 to 3 days, or severe, lasting several months. Slight weakness or full paralysis on one side of the face can occur. In some patients, the eyelid muscles are enervated and the eye won’t close. Dry eye can result, and the patient may wear an eye patch. In addition, there may be loss of taste on one side of the tongue. The condition is generally thought to be caused by herpes simplex type 1 (the same herpes that causes cold sores), and is treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir) for 5 to 7 days in addition to prednisone for 7 to 10 days. Eighty-five percent of patients with this condition recover completely, but the process can be slow. Bell’s Palsy generally does not recur.
(Source: Harvard Men’s Health Watch, November 2006)
