I am in my 60s and have just suffered my second episode of Bell's palsy. Could you tell me what causes this condition and how it should it be treated?
Conventional remedy: Bell's palsy is the name given to the commonest form of facial paralysis. It is the result of a complete interruption of the facial nerve as it exits the skull. What causes the interruption is not known.
Bell's palsy causes drooping at the corners of the mouth, loss of tension in the creases and folds of the skin and unfurrowing of the forehead. In some cases, eyelids may be unable to close properly. The effect of these symptoms can be that tears spill onto cheeks, food collects between teeth and lips and saliva dribbles from the corners of the mouth. This may affect one side of the face only.
Bell's palsy is often preceded by a day or two of pain in the cheek or behind the ear. Taste can be lost and hearing may be affected in some people. The facial weakness usually peaks 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Steroid treatment, if given early, will shorten the recovery period. Using a patch on the eye during sleep to protect it from injury is important. Physiotherapy can help to build up the strength of the facial muscles.
You mention that this is your second attack and that you are in your late 60s. A word of caution: the symptoms of Bell's palsy can be similar to a small stroke. If you have not seen your GP, please do so, so that this possibility can be ruled out.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy: Bell's palsy is a disease of the facial nerve. Presumably, it is due to an inflammatory reaction in or around the nerve, near the stylomastoid foramen. In Western medicine, the cause is said to be unknown, but symptoms often occur after a viral infection or during stressful events. Associated symptoms include facial pain, weakness and paralysis, although sufferers may also experience difficulty in swallowing, speaking clearly and closing their eyelids properly.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Bell's palsy is known as zhong feng, which translates as "wind attack". The name reflects the opinion that the palsy's cause is an invasion of the facial channels by wind, cold or damp, which disrupts the flow of Qi and blood and prevents the vessels and muscles receiving the necessary nourishment.
The function of acupuncture in treating Bell's palsy is to stimulate the cranial and motor nerves that control facial muscles; to promote the release of endorphins that alleviate pain; and to release the pathogens that cause paralysis.
During a visit to an acupuncturist, a practitioner takes a detailed medical history from a patient. Tongue and pulse diagnoses are carried out during the initial assessment. At the end of the diagnostic interview (30 to 60 minutes), a practitioner has enough information to identify the nature of the disharmony and the organs which are affected.
Most practitioners then suggest five to 10 initial treatments, after which progress will be reviewed. The rate of progress varies from one individual to another.
Acupuncture points are chosen for their specific functions. Facial points as well as distal (body) points are used. The facial points are in muscles supplied by the facial nerve. Treating these points helps to spread the Qi through the channels of the face.
Sometimes, a process known as "moxabustion" may be performed with acupuncture. This involves the burning of a dried herb known as "mugwort" (artemisia vulgaris) either over the affected area or at specific acupuncture points. When lit, moxa provides a penetrating heat that enters the channels to influence the flow of Qi and blood, thereby promoting muscle relaxation and pain control.
Acupuncturist Emer O'Donnell
The Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland can be contacted on tel: 01-8574040.