Facial Nerve Disorders: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The facial nerves are some of the most critical nerves in our body. These nerves control the various facial expressions that are unique to the face, like smiling, crying, contorting the facial muscles etc. Disorders in the facial nerves are collectively known as Bell’s palsy. When a person is affected by this ailment he/she cannot move the facial muscles. Treatment includes the prescription of medicines like corticosteroids and antiviral drugs. There are many therapies that can treat Bell’s palsy and can help the person regain the normal movement of the facial muscles. But the treatments are usually time-consuming.

The exact reason behind Bell’s palsy is not known, but doctors usually associate it with exposure to viral infections such as genital herpes, chickenpox, respiratory disorders, exposure to Epstein-Barr virus, measles, mumps, influenza B flu etc.

A patient can suffer from a mild case of Bell’s palsy. In this case the difficulties subside after a month. But with serious cases, treatment should be sought immediately. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent paralysis. The treatment will only begin once the doctor has complete details of your medical history and symptoms. Therefore prepare a list of symptoms, the medicines that you are currently on, before visiting a doctor.

Based on your condition the doctor will decide whether you have Bell’s palsy or not. Some of the tests that determine the presence of Bell’s palsy are Electromyography and Imaging scans. The former test deals with the detection of electrical impulses. Various external stimuli detect whether the facial muscles are responding to them normally. If not, then it would mean that the person probably has Bell’s palsy. The other test, which is, imaging test, is conducted to see whether there are tumors or other obstacles in the face.

The real reason behind Bell’s palsy is not known. But if it is the result of exposure to a certain virus, then antiviral drugs are given. Though, it is not clear whether antiviral drugs actually work. The most common medicines that are given to control Bell’s palsy include corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation. However, these medicines will prove effective only if these are given at an early stage. Physical therapy is recommended to a person who is suffering from Bell’s palsy. These therapies exist to relieve the pressure in the facial muscles. For instance, meditation and yoga can prove to be very effective. Acupuncture can also work where the needle is used to exert pressure on the affected area. Vitamin B-12 and B-6 can also help a person’s condition to improve.

If a person observes certain abnormalities like difficulty in moving the face, headache, pain around the jaw, drooling, adverse reaction to loud sound then he/she must see a doctor. Because, these signs speak of Bell’s palsy.

If a person has become completely paralyzed owing to cerebral palsy, then treatment might not work.

Corticosteroid tablets are one of the most viable treatments to treat Bell’s palsy. However, there are various side-effects of steroids. For instance, the person tends to gain weight; the skin becomes thin. Other side effects are easy bruising. It can also lead to osteoporosis, and hypertension.

In order to reduce the debilitating effect of Bell’s palsy, one can opt for therapies such as acupuncture therapy, yoga and meditation. There is another therapy known as biofeedback training where the person learns to control the body by controlling the brain.

If the case is not severe, it should not take more than 6 weeks for the symptoms of Bell's palsy to subside.

The price of corticosteroids in India can be anywhere between INR 500 and INR 6000. Therapies can cost around INR 500-INR 1000, depending on the therapist and the institution.

People usually recover completely from Bell's palsy and the condition does not recur in most cases. But, in cases where Bell's palsy is a resulting effect of tumors, the person will probably retain permanent injury.

The person with Bell’s palsy can eat foods that have high concentration of Vitamin B-12, B-6, Vitamin D and zinc. Physiotherapy will also help a person overcome his/her difficulties greatly. Some herbs and natural products that a person can consume to get respite from Bell’s palsy include clove, mustard, garlic. The individual can also apply castor oil on tensed nerves.