Bell’s Palsy causes facial paralysis or weakness usually on one side of the face due to inflammation around the facial nerve. The condition may resolve itself within a few weeks to months or it may linger for years and be unresponsive to standard treatments.
Damage to the facial nerve can lead to many problems due to the complexity of its functions. Bell’s Palsy can present differently from person to person and depends on the severity of the paralysis. The most common symptom is sudden weakness of one side of the face. Other symptoms can include:
* Drooling
* Inability to close eye which causes dry eyes
* Excessive tearing of the eye
* Mouth drooping
* Ear or jaw pain
* Abnormal sensation
* Change in taste
* Noise sensitivity
* Ear ringing
* Sensitivity to wind
* Facial distortion
Acupuncture can play a role in the treatment plan for Bell’s Palsy, either alongside medications or as an independent therapy. The effects of Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy works on improving the facial nerve function following an attack. Acupuncture is able to reduce the inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve as well as speed up the repair of the nerve itself.
The key to treatment is starting as soon as possible after the initial attack. This will increase the likelihood of success in treating Bells Palsy.
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