| | | | Other Names | | | Bell's Paralysis, Facial Paralysis, Temporary Facial Paralysis, Idiopathic
Facial Nerve Paralysis, Facial Palsy.
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| | | Bell's palsy is a disorder of the nerves that control the muscles of the
face. People with Bell's palsy lose control of some or all of the muscles
on one half of the face; consequently, the face looks asymmetrical. Rarely
are both sides of the face affected. The cause is unknown, and the
disorder usually resolves without treatment within six to twelve
months.
People with diabetes or hypertension have
greater-than-average risk for Bell's palsy. While no research has
investigated whether better control of these conditions may help prevent
Bell's palsy, people with Bell's palsy should be checked for diabetes and
hypertension, especially if the palsy occurs repeatedly or affects both
sides of the face.
What are the symptoms of Bell's palsy? Some
common symptoms of Bell's palsy include a rapid onset of weakness,
numbness, heaviness, or paralysis of one side of the face. People with
Bell's palsy may also have symptoms of pain behind the ear, inability to
completely close one eye, drooling, and speech
difficulties.
Conventional treatment options: Conventional therapy
involves the use of natural tears (isotonic saline and methylcellulose
drops), skin tape, or an eye patch to help the eye stay closed and
lubricated. In difficult cases, surgery may be used to stitch the eyelids
together. Steroids, such as prednisone, may also be recommended.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin B12 deficiency can
cause nerve degeneration, and both oral and injected vitamin B12 have been
used to treat many types of nerve disorders. One older case report
described successful treatment of chronic Bell's palsy with vitamin B12
injections of 500 to 1,000 mcg given every one to two days. A more recent
trial compared the effect of 500 mcg of injected vitamin B12 (in the form
of methylcobalamin) given three times weekly for at least eight
weeks-steroid medication, or both. Researchers found significantly faster
recovery in the groups given B12 injections with or without steroids,
compared to those given steroids alone. These findings agree with earlier
reports on the effectiveness of methylcobalamin injections for Bell's
palsy. It is unlikely that oral vitamin B12 would be similarly effective.
People seeking B12 injections should consult a physician.
Are there
any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for
information about any side effects or interactions.
Other
integrative approaches that may be helpful: Many reports claim that
acupuncture speeds recovery from Bell's palsy, 14 15 16 but no controlled
trials have been done to confirm this is neither a placebo effect nor the
natural course of healing.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBT) is a
procedure in which the patient breaths 100% oxygen at pressures up to
three times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. A well controlled
study of Bell's palsy patients compared HBT plus a placebo tablet with
fake oxygen therapy plus steroid medication. HBT produced significantly
faster recovery (22 vs. 34 days) compared to the use of
steroids.
Biofeedback techniques (using simple electronic devices
to measure and report information about a person's biological system) have
been reported to help limit the deterioration of muscle function and speed
recovery in Bell's palsy. However, a controlled trial of patients with
chronic facial paralysis (including some with Bell's palsy) found that
using a mirror as feedback was as effective as a mirror plus electrical
biofeedback for improving facial symmetry and muscle function.
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Bell's Palsy - Health - Aconitum Napellus 30C
80 pellets
7.02 US
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