BELLS PALSY

Bells palsy is a paralysis of cranial nerve VII resulting in inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side. Many conditions result in facial paralysis. Doctors use the term "Bells Palsy" to describe facial paralysis for which no cause is apparent.

The onset of the facial paralysis is very sudden, typically causing complete or paralysis of the affected side of the face within 24 hours.

No cause for Bell's palsy has been isolated. However some evidence suggests herpes simplex type 1 infection might play a role in triggering the symptoms.

Bells Palsy is often treated with anti-inflamatory and anti-viral medications, but there is some argument about the efficacy of treatment.

Even without treatment most (85%) Bells Palsy sufferers will get better within 3 weeks of onset. With the other 15% recovering within 6 months.

One unpleasant complication that can occur with this ailment is a chronic loss of the ability to taste.

This is a relatively harmless though strange sick.

So, this ailment rates a

1 on my "lethality scale" (1-10) and a

4 on my "disturbing scale" (1-10