What is Bell's Palsy?

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Introduction
Bell’s palsy is the name given to a nerve disorder that results in unexpected paralysis of the face due to the facial nerve acting abnormally. Paralysis is commonly found only on one side of the face; however, it can occur on both sides. Bell's palsy is named for Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century Scottish surgeon who first came across the condition. (NINDS Bell's Palsy, sec. 1). In this paper, the pathophysiology, which is a discussion of the mechanism behind Bell’s Palsy will be discussed as well as causes and effects. Also, the clinical manifestations of this condition will be provided in order to pinpoint some key aspects of Bell’s Palsy. Finally, advances in medical management, in terms of prevention, treatment and current research will be discussed.
Pathophysiology
Bell’s Palsy is a condition that results in paralysis of the face. The 7th cranial nerve, also known as the facial nerve is what controls most of the muscles of the face (NINDS Bell's Palsy, sec. 1). The major function of the facial nerve is to express taste sensations from the tongue and oral cavity (The Cranial Nerves, 3). The facial nerve supplies the preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to be distributed through the facial region’s glands. (Gaillard, sec. 3). In this condition, damage to the facial nerve causes that side of the face to droop. Furthermore, this nerve damage may affect the sense of taste and the production of tears and saliva. Bell’s Palsy is a condition that comes on suddenly, and it may get better spontaneously. One of the most distinct features of Bell’s Palsy is its unknown etiology. Previously, Bell's palsy was speculated to be the cause of other diseases, such as stroke or a transient ischemic attack, which are conditions tha...

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...9 May 2013. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. .

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Bell's Palsy." Diagnosis at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 27 Mar. 2012. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. .
"NINDS Bell's Palsy Information Page." Bell's Palsy Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Office of Communications and Public Liaison National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health, 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2014. .
"The Cranial Nerves." Tsdoc.org. Ed. Fatima Saba. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2014. .

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