Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Bell's Palsy is a common condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on your face. It can occur when the nerve that controls your facial muscles become inflamed or swollen.

Typically, Bell's palsy causes one side of your face to droop or stiff, making it difficult for you to smile or close your eyes.

Though it is a temporary condition, Bell's palsy can occur at any age, no matter how healthy you are.

According to Dr. Adolfo Solis of the Child Neurology Society of the Philippines, despite Bell's palsy having the same symptoms as stroke, one can easily differentiate the two by checking the scope of the affected area.

“'Pag sinabi po nating Bell's palsy, hindi po natin naigagalaw 'yung half ng ating face completely. Mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba sa may bibig,” he explained.

“Ang kaibahan niya sa stroke, central facial palsy 'yon at usually ang affected lang is the lower part of the face. As compared with Bell's Palsy, nagmumula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba.

“'Pag sinasabi mo namang facial spasm, konti ang use ng contraction ng mga muscles sa face mo.

“As opposed to Bell's palsy na hindi mo magalaw, ito continuous pa 'yung pagcontract dun sa half of the face. Kaya grabe yung sakit noon and usually ang cause nun ay may ugat na medyo bumabangga sa facial nerve natin, kaya laging nagko-contract 'yung face mo dito.”

So how does one get Bell's palsy? Well, unfortunately, its exact causes are unknown, but a viral infection often triggers it.

Some of the most common viruses or bacteria linked to the condition include herpes, HIV, sarcoidosis, and Lyme disease.

That's why Dr. Solis warned, “Just like any viral infection, na-e-expose tayo.

“Pwedeng may nakasalamuha tayo o pwedeng nakasabay natin na pwedeng hindi nagpa-practice ng proper hygiene kaya niya nata-transmit 'yung virus sa ibang tao kaya maganda pa rin that we observe proper hygiene practices.”

Thankfully, there are many ways to treat Bell's palsy aside from proper antibacterial medication used to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.

This includes TECAR therapy, Infrared Lamp Therapy, and Electrical stimulation.

Here's a quick overview of the treatments as discussed in Pinoy MD:

1. TECAR or Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy

TECAR Therapy is a form of combined contact diathermy and electrotherapy. It is a medical practice that applies electromagnetic energy to biological tissue.

Electrodes are sent to the patient through a device that warms on the site, and patients will feel a zap in their skin. This zapping simulates the nerve and can ease the inflammation, therefore reducing the pain.

2. Infrared Lamp

Similarly, an Infrared lamp may provide an alternative to the treatment of Bell's palsy by placing the device at least 3 feet away from the affected area to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

3. Electrical stimulation

Finally, electrical stimulation mimics electrical impulses to the facial nerve, thus helping restore muscle tone and shape.

To know more about the treatment, you can watch it here:

The recovery time for patients with Bell's palsy may vary depending on the severity of the nerve damage. In general, people can see an improvement within two weeks after the initial symptoms.

Most patients have recovered from the said condition. This includes the likes of celebrities such as Angelu de Leon.

For more stories on health and how to keep yourself in tip-top shape, follow GMA Network's Lifestyle Page!