Yes she went to the Dr.who diagnosed her with Bells Palsy. Yes we searched the internet to find out it is a virus and one of the nerves in her brain went into some sort of trauma......Does anyone know how long this will last? I am in Miami, ready to fly to Colorado to help her, she is hysterical.......any info would be appreciated. Thank you.
2006-11-10 10:45:33 · 8 answers · asked by bonbon 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Bells palsy is a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. It's caused by trauma to the 7th cranial nerve, and is not permanent.
Approximately 50% of Bells palsy patients will have essentially complete recoveries in a short time. Another 35% will have good recoveries in less than a year.
Regardless of the trigger, Bell's palsy is best described as an event - trauma to the nerve. As with any other injury, healing follows. The quality and duration of recovery is dependent on the severity of the initial injury. If the nerve has suffered nothing more than a mild trauma, recovery can be very fast, taking several days to several weeks. An "average" recovery is likely to take between a few weeks and a few months. The nerve regenerates at a rate of approximately 1-2 millimeters per day, and can continue to regenerate for 18 months, probably even longer. Improvement of appearance can continue beyond that time frame.
Here's a link with more info.
http://www.bellspalsy.ws/
2006-11-10 10:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by M M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless her heart.
Approximately 50% of Bells palsy patients will have essentially complete recoveries in a short time. Another 35% will have good recoveries in less than a year.
Regardless of the trigger, Bell's palsy is best described as an event - trauma to the nerve. As with any other injury, healing follows. The quality and duration of recovery is dependent on the severity of the initial injury. If the nerve has suffered nothing more than a mild trauma, recovery can be very fast, taking several days to several weeks. An "average" recovery is likely to take between a few weeks and a few months. The nerve regenerates at a rate of approximately 1-2 millimeters per day, and can continue to regenerate for 18 months, probably even longer. Improvement of appearance can continue beyond that time frame.
2006-11-10 18:52:12 · answer #2 · answered by chicpower 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, I am in the middle of taking Medical Terminology. Here's the definition from straight out of the Medical Encyclopedia.. Unilateral facial paralysis involves both the upper and lower halves of the face, distinguishing it from the facial paralysis associated with some strokes, which affect the muscles of the mouth more than those of the eye or forehead. Bell's Palsy is usually caused by a reactivation of herpes simplex virus, although other infections (e.g..,syphilis or Lyme disease) are sometimes implicated. Complications may include corneal drying and ulceration and mild dysarthria. Either side of the face may be affected. Attacks recur in about 10% of cases. Treatment: Tapering doses of prednisone along with an antiviral drug, such as acyclovir, provide the affected eye should be protected from drying with artificial tears or unmedicated ointments. Some practitioners advise wearing sunglasses during the palsy or patching the eye to protect it from foreign bodies or drying. Partial facial paralysis is ususally resolved within several months. The likelihood of complete recovery after total paralysis varies from 20% to 90%. So, I mentioned all of it, in case you and your sister have other questions. Alot of the medical terms, are hard even for me to understand, but I'd look them up for you, if you need me too. I think as far as your question is concerned, her chances of recovery are in the 20% to 90%, it depends upon how bad your sister wants to recover. Alot of recovery time depends upon how bad the patient wants it... Just say some prayers for her, and copy what I've typed up if you need too. I hope I was of some help for you. I'm sorry you two are going through this. My sympathy's to your sister. My email if you have anymore medical questions, is christyhorn@npgcable.com. Just email me, and I'll be happy to answer your questions, for you. Okee-dokee. Smile, atleast it wasn't a full-blown stroke, or heart attack. Things will get better. Just think positive, and ask her too as well. God Bless you both.
2006-11-10 19:15:09 · answer #3 · answered by Hmg♥Brd 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
depends on the cause. Not something easy to answer. Needs to go to doctor asap as I am assumming this just started. When you go to a doctor they will perform test to help determine the cause and then treatment will be develped based on this. Alot of things they can do, but until they do the test I would not go there. First things first. Go to doctor and find the cause... If i had a sister though I would sure like a visit from her during this time, emotions run high...
2006-11-10 19:04:53 · answer #4 · answered by Lakeside5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just be there for her thats what sisters are for. I am sure she is hysterical i think I would be too, but having a sister( Im in IL she is in NY) that would be the best thing.Maybe you should try calling the Dr and asking to have a visit with him and your sister.....but when you do get there make sure you stay calm for her that is the best thing for her right now,.....good luck the you and her
2006-11-10 18:49:50 · answer #5 · answered by bobsdidi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be by her side and listen to her doctor.We all want to say something to help but she needs to listen to the doctor and not us.I will pray for the both of you
2006-11-10 18:49:53 · answer #6 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can go away. doesn't have a certain timeline, but it could also become permanent. what did her doctor say? i'm sure he didn't just tell her what she has and send her home?! stress can also hinder it, so tell her to calm down.
2006-11-10 18:50:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my bus driver has that,it never went way
don't tell your sister that though
try to make her feel better
thats what i would do
2006-11-10 18:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by brandy538 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋