Although the impact can be said to be non-fatal, various myths about Bell's Palsy can lead to mishandling. Even though bell's palsy can be cured without leaving scars if it is handled properly from the start.
Maybe you've seen someone's face slanted on one side (muscles on one side of the face look relaxed). Many associate this condition with a stroke, when in fact the weakening of some of the muscles in the face is bell's palsy.
according to dr. Dwi Hanny Febrina, Sp.S – Neurologist at EMC Cikarang Hospital, bell's palsy is paralysis or weakness of the peripheral spatial (facial) nerves that occurs acutely (suddenly) and affects one side of the face. "Disorders of bell's palsy occur in the nerves that occur behind the ears that are associated with the face, so that disturbances in this area affect the face," said dr. Bi.
There are several things that are a sign of a person suffering from Bell's palsy, such as a slanted face, a mouth that cannot close perfectly when rinsing, and one of the eyelids that closes too late, making the eye feel sore. This disease can affect anyone, male or female, young or old. "In theory, this disease affects people aged 15-45 years, but in reality there are also cases that affect children aged 8 years," said dr. Bi.
In society, there are rumors that bell's palsy is caused by wind or cold weather. "If it was really because of the wind, all the motorcycle taxi drivers might have had their faces crooked," argued dr. Bi. Likewise with cold weather, because there is no medical research that proves the level of sufferers of bell's palsy in areas with cold temperatures is higher than other areas.
Furthermore, dr. Dwi revealed that until now the cause of Bell's palsy is still not known with certainty (idiopathic). It's just that, there are five theories that have developed regarding the cause: blood vessel disorders, viruses, genetics (hereditary), immunology (immune), and bacteria. virus is the most prominent possibility even though it cannot be confirmed medically.
Because the cause is not known with certainty, the process of the attack cannot be known. It's just that, the consequences of the attack can be known. Inflammation (swelling) in the facial nerve results in ear and other disorders. Some even interfere with the sense of taste, hearing, and others.
Although it can cause disturbances in several organ functions, 80-90% of sufferers of bell's palsy can recover completely within 6 months –with symptoms of improvement starting to appear within 3 months. "However, if within three weeks of therapy there are no good changes, even tending to be more severe, another treatment may be needed and additional examinations such as an MRI or others may be carried out," said dr. Dwi added that there is a 5% chance that this disease will leave scars on the patient.
There are also those who call Bell's palsy a self-limited disease, it can heal by itself. Responding to this, dr. Dwi mentioned the possibility of a connection with the theory that this disease was caused by a virus, although with self-limited emphasis it might occur in mild attacks. The reason is, in severe attacks and left for a long time, swelling can cause permanent damage to the nerves. "Therefore, the healing process depends on being dealt with at the start of the attack." In closing, dr. Dwi explained that the first treatment for bell's palsy could be done at the nearest clinic or doctor, it doesn't have to be a neurologist. As for recovery, it is advisable to come to a hospital equipped with physiotherapy.
Bell's Palsy is not a Stroke! Even though it is caused by a disturbance in the nerves, Bell's palsy is not a stroke. Both do have similar symptoms, but the treatment measures taken are different.
Therapy for Bell's Palsy:
- anti-inflammatory drugs (some say not very effective if the attack lasts more than 5 days)
- anti-viral drugs (still controversy about whether to give or not)
- facial exercises (smiling, chewing, compressing)
- physiotherapy
Article written by dr. Dwi Hany Febrina S, Sp.N (Neurologist Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).