Just diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy...anyone else ever deal with this?

My friend had it about 6 years ago. It lasted about 4 months for him and then just went away. His was very noticeable, one half of his face was completely non functional and drooped.

It had zero impact on his running.

Droopy Face wrote:

I've had one episode of Bell's Palsy. Happened back in 2004. I remember it clearly because it happened about 3 weeks before my wedding and my soon-to-be wife was worried my drooping face would ruin the wedding photos. Anyway, I had the standard treatment (same as yours) and the symptoms lasted for about a week or so and then functioning returned pretty much back to normal. The doctor wasn't able to identify what caused the incident. I haven't had any episodes since, although I have noticed that my ears have been more sensitive to the winter cold since that time. Can't verify that the sensitivity is related in any way to the BP. I wasn't a runner back then but don't think it would have impacted that activity much at all.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Your wife sounds like quite the keep !

Congrats to you both !!!!

ent md wrote:

Everything everyone said about Bell’s palsy above is correct.

However, if your tongue deviates to one side when you stick it out you DO NOT have Bell’s palsy.

Go to ER immediately and show them your tongue movement. Request a CT scan of your skull base.

I had a CT scan. That was one of the first things the hospital did. I also had a chest x-ray and heart test, tons of blood work, and a urine test. What else do you think it could be other than Bell’s Palsy?

I believe the prednisone was for 5 days. 7 days max.

old guy 71 wrote:

I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy about six years ago. They told me it goes away within a few months 75% of the time. Mine never did. A year ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and now they're not sure if I ever really had Bell's palsy. I had radiation treatments for two months and that has stopped the progression. (Knock on wood) I don't want to scare you, but if you start having double vision see a neurologist. More than likely you're going to be all right.

I’m very sorry to hear that. Were you given a CT scan during your initial diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy? The doctor very clearly told me I had no tumors or signs of a stroke, but should I seek attentional testing?

Just last summer after an ENT doc scoped my throat. Just keep running - mine lasted 3 wks. Then dissipated. Keep the blood moving. (All the waitresses and cashiers think you’re winking at them - embarrassing, huh?)

My diagnosis was pretty lame. He just had me do a few facial movements. I never had an MRI or CT scan until the double vision occurred 6 years later. I wouldn't think you need any further testing, seeing as he ruled out a tumor or stroke. I don't think my original Doctor even considered a tumor. I shouldn't have said anything. It's double vision that requires further testing.

If your tongue is deviating to one side I would recommend you follow up with your doctor or make an appointment with an ENT.

If you can’t stick your tongue out straight you don’t have Bell’s. Wouldn’t be right to speculate on a message board.

Repeat after me.."Seasonally, sometimes sister Suzy sell seashells by the seashore"

Mine went away in a few days and I don't know where it came from.

Go see an ENT ASAP. Having multiple cranial nerves involved ain't Bell's. Bell's is a palsy of cranial nerve VII as others have pointed out and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The term gets thrown around and misused a lot. Just because one doc looked at your CT and said you're good does not make it so unfortunately, especially with your tongue weakness and face numbness. You need an expert to take a look at the CT and you may need further imaging.

Another ENT wrote:

Go see an ENT ASAP. Having multiple cranial nerves involved ain't Bell's. Bell's is a palsy of cranial nerve VII as others have pointed out and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The term gets thrown around and misused a lot. Just because one doc looked at your CT and said you're good does not make it so unfortunately, especially with your tongue weakness and face numbness. You need an expert to take a look at the CT and you may need further imaging.

Thanks for the response. What other conditions could this be?

And you had tests for Lyme disease??????

Ray wrote:

And you had tests for Lyme disease??????

They took several viles of blood, I’m not sure if they tested for Lyme.

Well, I don't want to go down a rabbit hole with you as it could be a LOT of things, but you really need someone to examine you who knows what they are doing. ED docs are great at what they do, BUT what you are describing suggests it may be more than Bell's. I would recommend an ENT to rule out other bad things it could be. And caveat: as a doc it is my job to worry about the bad things. Best of luck and I hope this all resolves soon, but if it were me I would not play the wait and see game.

Find a serious Lyme Disease specialist. It does not matter where you live, as tics are everywhere. Bell's Palsy is highly associated with Lyme. Blood tests for Lyme are notoriously unreliable. You need a real, trustworthy expert. Lyme can be devastating if not tested right away.

Friend had it 2 years ago. It lasted him about 6 weeks.

It was mainly related to stress. He was going through a lot of family drama.

Lymeandbells wrote:

Find a serious Lyme Disease specialist. It does not matter where you live, as tics are everywhere. Bell's Palsy is highly associated with Lyme. Blood tests for Lyme are notoriously unreliable. You need a real, trustworthy expert. Lyme can be devastating if not tested right away.

Thanks for the response. What is the best type of specialist to see for Lyme Disease testing?

I just wanted to update this thread in case anyone else who frequents this board ever searches for information on Bell's Palsy.

It's been a month since my diagnosis, and I'm about 90% back to normal. I started seeing improvement during the third week, just as the ER doctor told me I would. The first two weeks were rough. The biggest issue was my mouth. Eating was difficult, and my speech was slurred badly (which made my job as a teacher interesting, to say the least). The other issue was my eye on the affected side. Even with religious use of eye drops, it was very uncomfortable due to lack of blinking. I taped my eye shut before going to bed, but it always felt like something was in it. The gel eye drops worked much better than regular drops for sleeping. I also had to run on the treadmill for those first two weeks because any type of wind dried the affected eye out quickly, even when wearing glasses.

I followed up with a neurologist, who told me I had "classic" Bell's Palsy, but tested me for Lyme disease just to be safe. The test was negative. I also went to an optometrist to make sure I didn't scratch my eye.

Currently, my only symptom is a slightly crooked smile. Overall, it wasn't that bad of an experience. The condition was more annoying and frustrating than anything.