bells palsy?

**onencgirl** · 07-04-2011, 09:51 PM

Yesterday (Sunday) I noticed my right eye was really dry. When I investigated I found that my entire right side of my face was drooping. Eye, mouth, cheek, etc. Did some searching and think I have Bells Palsy. Seems this a temporary thing but am calling the Doc first thing in the morn. I'm tired of drooling and trying to drink or eat without everything falling back out of my mouth. Does anyone know what causes this? How long will it last? Sheesh.... always something.

**Ceashels** · 07-04-2011, 11:20 PM

The instigating factor is not determined ... old wives tales include anything from a draft to a cold. But the Facial Nerve travels directly off the brain around the internal ear structures and then to the muscles of the face. The damage done to the nerve impedes the signals to the muscles and the muscle become weakened or paralyzed. It does improve but can take a while.

Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy Causes by MedicineNet.com this link gives a good overview and treatments are listed on page 4-5.

Hugs to you.

**Neeley** · 07-05-2011, 01:22 AM

Dh has had is twice and DS has had it once. DH's first episode was on the left side of his face when he was a young teen. The second time when he was 23 it affected the right side. He never fully recovered from either time. His left eye still has a small droop. It is not very noticeable, except in pictures. The right side of his mouth still droops and he has some trouble drinking on that side. DS had it when he was around 8. He has pretty much recovered except for a slight droop in his left eye that I seem to be the only one who notices.

My really good friend from high school had it around the same time DH did when he was in his twenties. She still has very noticeable effects from it. The entire left side of her face droops considerably.

From my experience, how long and to what degree you recover varies from person to person.

**aprilrain1024** · 07-05-2011, 01:23 AM

I had bells palsy when I was 10 years old. It's rare for kids to get it. It happened right around that I got Lyme's so, it could have been part of that but, the doctors weren't sure. It took almost 6 months for it to get better for me. But the corner of my mouth and my eye still have a slight droop. It really isnt noticeable. And I forget that it is there until I look at pictures where I am smiling big and the one corner isn't symetrical, lol. (((huggs)))

**onencgirl** · 07-05-2011, 09:06 AM

I have a Dr. appointment this afternoon. Fingers crossed all goes well.

**nodmicks** · 07-05-2011, 04:55 PM

I know several people that have had it. I only see a little lingering side effect on one. good luck!

**NikoSan999** · 07-05-2011, 08:23 PM

Let us know how it turns out and I know we're all rooting for you. Hubbys aunt had it long time ago. Can't tell it now. Actually the effects didn't last awfully long. And she was up there in age.
Thinking of you