Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for Bell's Palsy (Facial palsy or paralysis)

Bell's Palsy
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - BELL'S PALSY

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves. The facial nerve - also called the 7th cranial nerve - is a paired structure that travels through a narrow, bony canal (called the Fallopian canal) in the skull, beneath the ear, to the muscles on each side of the face. For most of its journey, the nerve is encased in this bony shell. Each facial nerve directs the muscles on one side of the face, including those that control eye blinking and closing, and facial expressions such as smiling and frowning. Additionally, the facial nerve carries nerve impulses to the lachrymal, or tear, glands; the saliva glands, and the muscles of a small bone in the middle of the ear called the stapes. The facial nerve also transmits taste sensations from the tongue. In Bell’s palsy, for reasons that are not known, messages that normally travel through this nerve get blocked somewhere near the ear. Without signals, facial muscles, such as those of the eyelid, fail to contract. The eyelid does not close, and one side of the face sags. The muscles working on the other side of the face pull the mouth in that direction, which adds to the distorted facial expression. In other words, this interruption results in facial weakness or paralysis, consequently, the face looks asymmetrical.

Bell's palsy is named after Sir Charles Bell, a 19th century Scottish surgeon who was the first to describe the condition. The disorder is unrelated to stroke and is the most common cause of facial paralysis. Generally, Bell's palsy affects only one of the paired facial nerves on one side of the face; however, in rare cases, it can affect both sides. People with diabetes or hypertension have greater-than-average risk for Bell’s palsy. While no research has investigated whether better control of these conditions may help prevent Bell’s palsy, people with Bell’s palsy should be checked for diabetes and hypertension, especially if the palsy occurs repeatedly or affects both sides of the face. Fortunately, Bell’s palsy tends to disappear on its own, usually within a few weeks or a few months of its onset.

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Because the facial nerve has so many functions and is so complex, damage to the nerve or a disruption in its function can lead to many problems. Symptoms of Bell's palsy, which vary from person to person and range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis, may include (on one or both sides of the face): Paralysis of the facial muscles Rapid onset of facial weakness, numbness or heaviness Drooping or sagging mouth (corner of the mouth) Drooling Facial pain or twitching (particularly discomfort around the jaw and behind the ear) Impairment of taste Inability to close the eye, tearing or dry eyes (usually excessive tearing in one eye) Drooping of the eyelid Dizziness Dry mouth Hypersensitivity to sound on the affected side Impaired speaking Ringing in one or both ears Headache Difficulty eating or drinking The affected half of the face is usually flat and expressionless but it is not uncommon for patients to complain about the unaffected side of the face, saying that it feels twisted or uncomfortable. Most often, these symptoms, which usually begin suddenly, tend to progress very quickly and reach their peak within 48 hours, leading to significant facial distortion.

Diagnosis A diagnosis of Bell's palsy is made based on clinical presentation including a distorted facial appearance and the inability to move muscles on the affected side of the face, and by ruling out other possible causes of facial paralysis. There is no specific laboratory test to confirm diagnosis of the disorder. Generally, a physician will examine the individual for upper and lower facial weakness. In most cases this weakness is limited to one side of the face or occasionally to the forehead, eyelid, or mouth. A test called electromyography (EMG) can confirm the presence of nerve damage and determine the severity and the extent of nerve involvement. An x-ray of the skull can help rule out infection or tumor. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan can eliminate other causes of pressure on the facial nerve.

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Bell's palsy occurs when the nerve that controls the facial muscles is swollen, inflamed, or compressed, resulting in facial weakness or paralysis. Exactly what causes this damage, however, is unknown. The inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve could be due to: Viral infections such as herpes simplex, mumps, meningitis, influenza, a cold, infectious mononucleosis or HIV (They believe that the facial nerve swells and becomes inflamed in reaction to the infection, causing pressure within the Fallopian canal and leading to an infarction (the death of nerve cells due to insufficient blood and oxygen supply). In some mild cases (where recovery is rapid), there is damage only to the myelin sheath of the nerve. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering-which acts as an insulator-on nerve fibers in the brain.) Bacterial infections such as Lyme disease or Tuberculosis Headaches Multiple sclerosis Sarcoidosis Myasthenia gravis or tuberculosis Chronic middle ear infection Guillain-Barre Syndrome Chronic disease such as diabetes Traumatic injury to the face or head (such as a skull fracture) Tumor causing nerve compression High blood pressure Stress Pregnancy

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Anti-viral drugs (such as acyclovir) may treat the herpes viruses if this is one of the suspected causes of Bell's Palsy and facial nerve damage or inflammation. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the facial nerve and prevent any possible further facial nerve damage. A Vitamin B12 injection can protect the nerves and reduce nerve inflammation Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be injected into the upper eyelid to protect the eye and also to reduce facial spasm. If facial nerve damage occurs, surgical treatments such as facial nerve repair, nerve substitution and muscle transposition may be needed if the condition does not improve or remit, in order to reduce distortion of the facial features and restore function. A surgical procedure called tarsorrhaphy may improve eyelid closure. Plastic surgery may be performed to improve permanent facial drooping.

A natural approach to Bell’s Palsy often works best in combination with other therapies. Natural remedies like herbs can promote effective functioning of the nervous system and offer a therapeutic effect therefore possibly preventing some causes of Bell's Palsy. Herbal ingredients such as St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and Avena sativa, as well as homeopathically prepared Aconite, Causticum, Dulcamara and Gelsemium can be used to treat symptoms related to the nervous system and aid faster recovery. Under the guidance of an herbalist or homeopath, herbal and homeopathic remedies may be successfully incorporated into your treatment plan.

Stramonium (6C)is best suited to those who desire light and prefer not to be alone. Symptoms tend to worsen in solitude, with the head feeling as if it is scattered about. Twitching of single muscles or groups of muscles, especially in the upper part of body, may occur. Tarentula (6C) is most effective for twitchiness of the limbs and jerking of muscles. It is commonly beneficial to people that are affected by music, impatience that borders on nervousness, a sense of urgency, and a feeling of not being able to sit still. Frequently individuals suiting this remedy find themselves sick with restlessness that prevents them from getting rest, which frequently extends the period of convalescence. Conditions that make the symptoms worse include cold weather, change of weather, and noise. Factors that tend to improve symptoms include massage, music, fresh air, and rest. Magnesium phosphate (Mag. phos. D6) - Well-known as a homeopathic painkiller, Mag. phos. is also of great benefit to the health of the nerves. It acts as a natural anti-spasmodic and a nerve and muscle relaxant and is also frequently recommended for stress headaches.Mag. phos. is a salt with an affinity for the nervous system, and a deficiency can result in cramps and spasms. It is fast-acting to quickly relieve muscular twitches, hiccups, cramps, and sharp twinges of pain. Symptoms are usually worse from cold and touch, and improve with heat and pressure, such as massage. Agaricus muscarius (6C)is an ingredient of a remedy proved by Dr. Stapf in 1928. People who would benefit from this remedy are commonly anxious, fearful, and generally nervous. Physically, they may be clumsy, twitchy, and sensitive to cold and damp weather. Ferrum phosphoricum (Ferrum phos. D6) is a homeopathic biochemic tissue salts which supports the absorption of iron in the body. The protective myelin sheath which surrounds all nerve tissue needs iron to supply this vital nutrient to the nerve cells it encases. Iron in hemoglobin also helps to keep all body tissue, including the brain, supplied with oxygen. Regular use of Ferrum phos. can help to prevent dizziness, headaches and restlessness and is of great benefit for those who tend to feel irritable, tense and tired.   Kalium phosphate (derived from potassium phosphate) is a biochemic tissue salt and a natural component of all fluids in the body. It is a homeopathic brain and nerve tonic par excellence as well as an amazing nerve nutrient. Used regularly it helps to calm and uplift the spirit and soothe common nervous tension and everyday stress.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in leafy, green vegetables Increase intake of Vitamin B12, B6 and zinc supplements to promote nerve growth   Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve degeneration, and both oral and injected vitamin B12 have been used to treat many types of nerve disorders. Cases report successful treatment of chronic Bell’s palsy with vitamin B12 injections of 500 to 1,000 mcg given every one to two days. The effect of 500 mcg of injected vitamin B12 (in the form of methylcobalamin) given three times weekly for at least eight weeks is equally good. People seeking B12 injections should consult a physician. Vitamin B12 is found in all foods of animal origin, including dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. Small, inconsistent amounts occur in seaweed (including nori and chlorella) and tempeh.   Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids—the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 include chicken, brewer's yeast, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, lentils, eggs, soybeans, nuts, avocados, green beans, bananas, potatoes, peas, spinach, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, bread, cereals,  wheat germ, and whole-grain flour.   Zinc plays an extremely important role in the immune system, which may explain why it is helpful in protecting against infections such as colds. Zinc also plays a role in the regulation of appetite, stress level, taste, and smell. Zinc has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sores. It also helps to synthesize protein, help digestion, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, control diabetes, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions. The best sources of zinc are oysters (richest source), red meats, poultry, cheese (ricotta, Swiss, gouda), shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Other good, though less easily absorbed sources of zinc include legumes (especially lima beans, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, soybeans, peanuts), whole grains, miso, tofu, brewer's yeast, cooked greens, mushrooms, green beans, tahini, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds.   Try drinking juice, water or cold drinks with a straw Cut food into small pieces and eat on the side of your mouth that feels most comfortable

The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. The extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery. Improvement is gradual and recovery times vary. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within 2 weeks after the initial onset of symptoms and most recover completely, returning to normal function within 3 to 6 months. For some, however, the symptoms may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear. In rare cases, the disorder may recur, on either the same or the opposite side of the face. An important factor in treatment is eye protection. Bell's palsy can interrupt the eyelid's natural blinking ability, leaving the eye exposed to irritation and drying. Therefore, keeping the eye moist and protecting the eye from debris and injury, especially at night, is important. Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears or eye ointments or gels, and eye patches are also effective. Physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve and help maintain muscle tone may be beneficial to some. Facial massage and exercises may help prevent permanent contractures (shrinkage or shortening of muscles) of the paralyzed muscles before recovery takes place. Moist heat applied to the affected side of the face may help reduce pain. Acupuncture is believed to be quite effective in the treatment of Bell’s palsy. You need to contact a qualified acupuncture specialist for this.

In general, decompression surgery for Bell's palsy -to relieve pressure on the nerve-is controversial and is seldom recommended. On rare occasions, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to reduce deformities and correct some damage such as an eyelid that will not fully close or a crooked smile. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBT) is a procedure in which the patient breaths 100% oxygen at pressures up to three times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. According to studies, HBT produces significantly faster recovery (22 vs. 34 days) compared to the use of even steroids. Biofeedback techniques (using simple electronic devices to measure and report information about a person’s biological system) have been reported to help limit the deterioration of muscle function and speed recovery in Bell’s palsy. Keep the face warm – wear a scarf or a jacket with a hood, because exposure to cold brings on paralysis