Facial palsy; Idiopathic peripheral facial palsy
Treatment
In many cases, no treatment is necessary. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms.
Corticosteroids or antiviral medications may reduce
Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely. You may need to wear an eye patch during sleep.
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve (decompression surgery) is controversial and has not been shown to routinely benefit people with Bell's palsy.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome varies. Approximately 60 - 80% of cases go away completely within a few weeks to months. Some cases result in permanent changes. The disorder is not life threatening.
Complications
- Disfigurement from loss of facial movement
- Damage to the eye (
corneal ulcers and infections ) -
Chronic spasm of face muscles or eyelids - Chronic taste abnormalities
- Synkinesis (abnormality in re-innervation of muscles resulting in tears when laughing or inappropriate salivation)
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if facial drooping or other symptoms of Bell's palsy occur. Only a trained health care provider can discriminate Bell's palsy from other, more serious conditions, such as stroke. If you develop signs of Bell's palsy, call your health care provider immediately so that a stroke can be ruled out as quickly as possible.



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