Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures

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Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« on: April 09, 2007, 09:51:22 AM » by Sunshine06

In the past couple of days my dad has started showing signs of Bell's Palsy, or at least what my mom thinks is Bell's Palsy or a similar illness - beginnings of partial facial paralysis, sensative hearing, etc. I believe they have a drs. appointment scheduled soon, but I told her I would do some research on the topic. From the very little bit that I have read, they talk about medications if it's viral or a surgery to relieve the compression. I know that the first step is to get a diagnosis, but I want to have some info on treatments. Does anyone know about Bell's palsy (or a similar illness resulting in partial facial paralysis)? What vitamins and such would help his body to heal? Do you know what causes this type of thing and what can be done to prevent this from happening again? My dad eats pretty well, he just works too much so he often doesn't get enough sleep. Thanks - I'll continue to research, but I'd love any info from all you WTM ladies.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2007, 10:24:03 AM » by Becky in WV

Have you checked into Lyme Disease? This can have the symptoms you're describing. Does your dad live in an area where Lyme Disease is prevalant? You can check this map to see: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/riskmap.htm But even if you're in a low- or no-risk area I wouldn't rule out Lyme's.

Here's a site to get you started learning about Lyme's but there's tons of information on web if you do a search.
http://www.canlyme.com/

Here's a list of symptoms of Lyme; facial paralysis and heightened sensitivity to sound are both mentioned:
http://www.columbia-lyme.org/flatp/lymeoverview.html#symptoms

The Lyme tests are not very reliable. My mom was tested and had it come back negative and then finally had a positive test through http://www.igenex.com/ to confirm that she had Lyme's. Insurance wouldn't cover this testing though. She is seeing a Lyme specialist near D.C. and insurance is covering this.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2007, 10:32:16 AM » by Sunshine06

Quote from: Becky in WV on April 09, 2007, 10:24:03 AM

Have you checked into Lyme Disease? This can have the symptoms you're describing. Does your dad live in an area where Lyme Disease is prevalant?

Well, I suppose it's possible as they live within a high risk area, but it's pretty unlikely. My parents live in a city (no deer around) and he hasn't been anywhere rural since last summer. He also doesn't have any other symptoms associated with Lymes. When I looked up what can cause facial paralysis or Bell's, there were a bunch of diseases/illnesses listed, like Lymes, that can cause facial paralysis but he doesn't have any of them. Thanks for the suggestion tho!

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2007, 11:01:51 AM » by jessyru

A girl at my church had Bell's Palsy recently because I'm a nurse her parents had me look at her because they were unsure of what was going and didn't want to make an unnecessary ER visit.

Have they called the doctor and reported the symptoms because Bell's Palsy can be very serious if left untreated and can result in permanent damage. It is caused by a virus--I am unaware of other causes. It generally begins with pain near the ear as I believe that is the nerve that is affected by the virus.

Has she had him smile, try to scrunch his nose, blink, open eyes wide? That's how I confirmed that the girl had definite signs of paralysis because I found it difficult to detect just by looking and her only symptoms were that her face 'felt funny'. If any of these movements are abnormal (because it affects only one side of the face the movements would be lopsided), I would have them call the doctor right away.

The treatment is antivirals and heavy duty antiinflamatories (steroids). (Acyclovir & Prednisone) They called the doctor that night and he told them to come the ER immediately. I don't really think it's something that you want to wait too long to address.

I do have enough knowledge to suggest any natural antivirals or steroids.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2007, 11:24:36 AM » by Sunshine06

The website I was looking at says Bell's can be caused by bacterial or viral infections.

My dad's face is visibly droopy on one side - mouth tilted down, eye doesn't blink, no wrinkles on forehead. He's also had some tingling and his ear (on that side of the face) is very sensative to sound. When he smiles, the affected side of the face doesn't move. It's not extremely pronounced, but noticeable if you look at him.

Are there any natural antivirals or anti-inflamatories?? Of course he'll take the prescribed meds if necessary, but they like to go the natural route when possible. Thanks for the info.

PS. Just called my dad and he and my mom are on the way to the ER.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2007, 11:57:12 AM » by HeyMom

Sunshine-

my hubby had this about 8 months ago - bells palsy that is.

we treated it the way we were medically recommended to - we went to the ER immediiately after our gathering one Sunday thinking his paralysis was due to maybe stroke.

anyway, they put him on prednisone and a strong antibiotic, he was to rest! well, hubby is a on the go mr command so was hard, but he did - they linked his to lack of sleep, heavy stress (owned his own business at the time) and a deep infection in his jawbone from a toothache left untreated.

he had to literally tape his right eye shut at night because it would not close and we put eye drops into it regularly to keep it from drying out. it took about 4 weeks before symptoms started going away. and even still, when he is overtired, his mouth will get droopy on the right side.

am keeping your dad in my prayers.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2007, 12:09:32 PM » by Sunshine06

Thanks very much peace4all. Lack of sleep and stress could definitely have brought this on for my dad also. He works too many hours (usually only getting 2 hours of sleep at a time, about twice a day during the week). And he was in the hospital two weeks ago for something else (very unusual - he's almost never sick), so it's going to be hard for him to take more time off work. I'll mention the eye drops and watching out for his eye to my mom. I appreciate the prayers and hope the drs. can diagnose him quickly. Thanks everyone!

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2007, 08:22:28 AM » by Sunshine06

For anyone that's interested, my dad went to the ER yesterday and was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Thanks peace4all and Jessyru for your thoughts and information.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2007, 08:46:32 AM » by seeker

I worked with a lady who got Bell's Palsy. She was also going through a lot of stress at the time she got it. I know that your concern right now is getting your dad well, but I just thought the following might interest you. The lady I worked with found some facial exercises on the internet (sorry, don't know where - this was about 9 years ago) that toned her muscles in her face. She did them every time she was in the car driving, and they worked, because (after a couple of weeks) you could not even tell she ever had any paralysis (she had noticable paralysis before). Hope your dad gets well soon.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #9 on: May 06, 2007, 04:45:12 PM » by happy2Bhome

My chiropractor said to take L-lysine (sp?) and avoid certain foods like cheese and nuts. He had a seasoned chiropractor give him this advice. I have no proof this is true, but you could check into it.

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #10 on: May 09, 2007, 11:47:03 AM » by Whiterock

i strongly reccommend looking into large doses of b12 for bell's palsy. i've had it twice. [typing while holding baby or i would give more info]
wr

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2007, 11:47:15 AM » by Whiterock

Quote

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve degeneration, and both oral and injected vitamin B12 have been used to treat many types of nerve disorders. One older case report described successful treatment of chronic Bell’s palsy with vitamin B12 injections of 500 to 1,000 mcg given every one to two days. A more recent trial compared the effect of 500 mcg of injected vitamin B12 (in the form of methylcobalamin) given three times weekly for at least eight weeks—steroid medication, or both. Researchers found significantly faster recovery in the groups given B12 injections with or without steroids, compared to those given steroids alone. These findings agree with earlier reports on the effectiveness of methylcobalamin injections for Bell’s palsy. It is unlikely that oral vitamin B12 would be similarly effective. People seeking B12 injections should consult a physician.

Quote

Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis of the facial nerve. A person with Bell’s palsy may not be able to open their eye or close one side of their mouth. Since this condition involves nerves, and vitamin B12 is critical for nerves, the vitamin was tested as a treatment for this nerve condition. Sixty people with Bell’s palsy were divided into three groups. The first group was given standard steroid therapy. The second group was given methylcobalamin plus steroid. The third group was given methylcobalamin alone. It took 2-9 weeks for the drug group to recover. The groups given methylcobalamin recovered much quicker, some within days. The group given methylcobalamin alone recovered the quickest. MA Jalaludin. 1995. Methylcobalamin treatment of Bell’s palsy. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 17:539-44.

« Last Edit: May 16, 2007, 01:52:16 PM by Whiterock »
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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #12 on: October 14, 2007, 08:58:38 PM » by FarmWife

My cousin has gotten Bells Palsey. She said it is basically an inflammation of the facial nerve. She is looking for alternative or herbal helps for dealing with this. She is also interested if there are certain foods she should avoid for inflammation, etc. Do any of you have any suggestions?

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #13 on: October 14, 2007, 09:11:00 PM » by Whiterock

Mega doses of B12. You can even go to the doctor and ask for a shot of B12. According to the studies, it doesn't just break even when compared to the ususal treatment (steroids), it works BETTER! I wish I had known this the two times I had Bell's Palsy.

~~Here's a thread on bells palsy... http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,6698.0.html~~
(topics have been merged)

WR

« Last Edit: October 17, 2007, 03:18:25 PM by Whiterock »
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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #14 on: October 17, 2007, 02:21:34 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: AmazingGraze on October 14, 2007, 08:58:38 PM

Inflammation & Diet [Recommended Dosages & Diet]

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #15 on: June 24, 2009, 05:14:26 PM » by CrimsonRose

Question for those of you have dealt with Bell's Palsy: How long before symptoms begin to improve? My lil sis currently has Bell's Palsy (from nerve trauma due to a spider bite) and it appears that she is getting a little bit more control back in her eyelid. She has only shown symptoms for the past five days, but is taking B-12 (cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin combo) lozenges as well as eye drops every hour to two hours. Does that sound like the beginnings of a quick recovery or just wishful thinking?

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #16 on: June 24, 2009, 05:40:17 PM » by MrsJ

Quote from: CrimsonRose on June 24, 2009, 05:14:26 PM

Well, I had it about ten years ago and, while it came on all at once (overnight pretty much), it improved very gradually over the course of three or four weeks. So I know my experience isn't the standard, but if she improves as gradually as I did, I wouldn't be shocked to see little bits of improvement here and there but not a full recovery for a few weeks. HTH!

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Re: Bells Palsey [Facial Paralysis]: Natural Treatments & Cures
« Reply #17 on: June 25, 2009, 06:05:28 AM » by momof6boys

I had Bell's Palsy while pregnant with my 4th child. It took about 6 weeks to fully recover, but I still think I have some weakness on that side of my face. Most people would say it's just in my head though. Massaging the affected side of the face helps some. It brings circulation and stimulation to the area. When I had it, I was overseas and they did electrical stimulation on me for about a week.

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