PtEd – BELL’S PALSY – SỔ TAY LÂM SÀNG

BELL’S PALSY PROBLEM Bell’s palsy is a disorder that can occur at any age, but most frequently occurs between the ages of 20 and 60. The disorder affects the muscles associated with expression on one side of the face, including the muscles that allow the mouth to smile, the eyes to close, and the eyebrows to rise. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown. Possible causes include viral infections, a type of inflammatory process, or an autoimmune disease. PREVENTION/CARE A.Bell’s palsy is usually treated with a steroid, such as prednisone. B.Other medications, such as acyclovir, may be used to possibly shorten the course of the symptoms. It is believed that Bell’s palsy may be linked to viral infections, such as the herpes infection. C.Pain is usually managed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or another over-the-counter pain medication such as nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. D.Sometimes it is helpful to use gentle massage or electrical stimulation of the nerve to help with the pain. Applying heat or cold packs for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day may also help with pain. When applying ice packs, do not directly apply ice to the skin and use caution to avoid frostbite to the area. E.Protection of the eye is very important if there is loss of lid function. Eye drops and lubricating ointment may be recommended, along with taping the affected eye while sleeping. Wearing eyeglasses and/or sunglasses is recommended to protect the eye. F.Physical therapy may also be helpful with recovering function of the muscles that are weak. G.Symptoms usually resolve within 3 or 4 weeks to a few months; occasionally, patients have symptoms lasting longer. The degree of paralysis varies with each person. If symptoms change or worsen, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Activity: Engage in activities as tolerated. Use caution when performing activities with visual demands, such as depth perception (driving, walking, etc.). Diet: Eat a regular diet as tolerated. Medications: You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________ You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________ You Need to Notify the Office If You Have: A.No relief in symptoms in 4 weeks. B.New symptoms such as headaches, visual changes, or other problems, such as trouble walking. C.Other: ___________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ RESOURCE The Bell’s Palsy Network: www.bellspalsy.ws

BELL’S PALSY

PROBLEM

Bell’s palsy is a disorder that can occur at any age, but most frequently occurs between the ages of 20 and 60. The disorder affects the muscles associated with expression on one side of the face, including the muscles that allow the mouth to smile, the eyes to close, and the eyebrows to rise.

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown. Possible causes include viral infections, a type of inflammatory process, or an autoimmune disease.

PREVENTION/CARE

A.Bell’s palsy is usually treated with a steroid, such as prednisone.

B.Other medications, such as acyclovir, may be used to possibly shorten the course of the symptoms. It is believed that Bell’s palsy may be linked to viral infections, such as the herpes infection.

C.Pain is usually managed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or another over-the-counter pain medication such as nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

D.Sometimes it is helpful to use gentle massage or electrical stimulation of the nerve to help with the pain. Applying heat or cold packs for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day may also help with pain. When applying ice packs, do not directly apply ice to the skin and use caution to avoid frostbite to the area.

E.Protection of the eye is very important if there is loss of lid function. Eye drops and lubricating ointment may be recommended, along with taping the affected eye while sleeping. Wearing eyeglasses and/or sunglasses is recommended to protect the eye.

F.Physical therapy may also be helpful with recovering function of the muscles that are weak.

G.Symptoms usually resolve within 3 or 4 weeks to a few months; occasionally, patients have symptoms lasting longer. The degree of paralysis varies with each person. If symptoms change or worsen, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

Activity: Engage in activities as tolerated. Use caution when performing activities with visual demands, such as depth perception (driving, walking, etc.).

Diet: Eat a regular diet as tolerated.

Medications:

You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________

You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________

You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:

A.No relief in symptoms in 4 weeks.

B.New symptoms such as headaches, visual changes, or other problems, such as trouble walking.

C.Other: ___________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________

RESOURCE

The Bell’s Palsy Network: www.bellspalsy.ws