Sometimes called facial palsy, Bell's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles that control expression on one side of the face. Two facial nerves run beneath each ear to the muscles in the face. When one becomes damaged, Bell’s palsy results. Bell's palsy affects approximately 40,000 Americans each year.

As a result of this disorder, a person’s face may have a droopy appearance, which can have an effect on a person’s self esteem but most cases of Bell's palsy aren’t serious.

This disorder can affect a person at any age and is more prominent in pregnant women, diabetics or people who suffer from upper respiratory ailments, such as the flu or a cold, as well as people with conditions that cause their immune systems to be weakened. The name Bell's palsy comes from a 19th-century surgeon from Scotland who first described the condition named Dr. Charles Bell.

In most cases, Bell's palsy clears up independently within weeks or months.

Typical signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:

• Sudden onset of paralysis or weakness on one side of your face, making it difficult to smile or close your eye on the affected side
  
  
• Facial droop and difficulty with facial expressions
  
  
• Facial stiffness or a feeling that the face is being pulled to one side
  
  
• Pain behind or in front of the ear on the affected side
  
  
• Sounds that seem louder on the affected side
  
  
• Pain, usually in the ear on the affected side
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Loss of taste on the front portion of the tongue
  
  
• Changes in the amount of tears and saliva the body produces

The severity of Bell's palsy can differ greatly from person to person. While some people experience mild weakness, others can have total paralysis on one side of the face. Most people start experiencing symptoms within several hours to a day or two. Pain in the vicinity of the ear can usually follow the palsy within a day or two as well. Within 48 hours after onset of signs and symptoms, weakness or paralysis typically peaks. The more serious the weakness or paralysis experienced relates to how fast the signs & symptoms progress.

The muscles on one side of the face are controlled by facial nerves, except for muscles involved in chewing. Experts have not yet identified the exact cause of Bell's palsy and still don’t really understand its development. However, many experts believe a viral infection such as the herpes simplex virus can cause the facial nerve to become swollen and injured.

Conventional medical treatment usually involves the use of the steroid prednisone, which is used to reduce inflammation and the antiviral drug acyclovir, which is used to fight viral infections. These treatments should only be used in extreme cases.

While there is no way to prevent Bell’s palsy, the regimen outlined below includes some natural steps you can take to treat symptoms and improve the outcome:

To protect the eye on the affected side of the face from drying out, cover it with a patch and keep it lubricated with eye drops.

Facial massages can help prevent permanent contractures of the muscles in the face.

My top recommended treatment of choice is acupuncture, which aids in moving the blood circulation and energy to the affected area to help restore proper function. Since acupuncture also has immune boosting properties, I highly recommend it as an addition to the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis that can increase the potential for a speedy and complete recovery.

Get plenty of rest and take steps to reduce stress.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Vitamin B12 (supplements and injections) - Reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin B1 (take as directed on label) - Enhances circulation and retards muscle atrophy.

Vitamin B6 (take as directed on label) - Creates amino acids necessary to create new cells.

Methylcobalamin (take as directed on label) - Assists nerve growth and maintains and restores the critical, protective nerve sheath.

Lecithin Granules - (take as directed on label) - Protects the nerve sheaths.

Echinacea - (take as directed on label) - A natural antiviral, which fights infection.