Suffering from Bell’s Palsy can be a scary thing, but it’s worth remembering that as long as you go to an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor as soon as you begin to notice symptoms, then you will likely be able to recover between two weeks and six months from the initial onset of symptoms. ENT doctors specialize in issues like Bell’s Palsy. However, it’s worth knowing something about this condition before being diagnosed.
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is an issue with the nerves in one’s face, which cause the facial muscles to be weakened and even suffer from temporary paralysis. This can cause issues, like a stiff or a drooping face. Symptoms like this should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor. Bell’s Palsy is considered rare, with only around 200,000 cases a year, but it is treatable.
What are the Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?
There is rarely a slow build-up of symptoms to warn you that issues with Bell’s Palsy are coming. Rather, they rapidly appear. These symptoms include drooling that the sufferer can not control, difficulty chewing food, an inability to make facial expressions, and a drooping face. There are also other symptoms, which could be a part of a much broader spectrum of issues. These include headaches, dry mouth, and issues with hearing.
How Does Bell’s Palsy Develop?
Typically, Bell’s Palsy develops as a result of another condition such as a cold or infection. However, viruses and bacterial issues such as HIV and Lyme Disease have been linked to Bell’s Palsy as well. There are other underlying conditions that can contribute to Bell’s Palsy, as well. Some of these conditions include diabetes, which can increase a person’s risk f developing Bell’s Palsy.
Of course, there are more issues that are related to these symptoms than just Bell’s Palsy. If you’re suffering from and of the symptoms listed above or fear that you’re at a high risk of developing Bell’s Palsy, you should seek medical attention from ENT doctors are as soon as possible so you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. An ear nose and throat doctor is a trained professional in their field, and it’s best to rely on their expert advice than to ignore Bell’s Palsy or try and treat it through an at-home or do it yourself solution, which could only make the issues you’re experiencing worse.
Going to ENT doctors at the first sign of Bell’s Palsy symptoms is one of the most important things you can do. Even though Bell’s Palsy is very treatable, early diagnosis and treatment plan could save you a lot of grief later on. By seeing an ENT, you avoid further complications that could arise and you’ll be on the path to recovery much more quickly.
