NHS warns little-known face symptom needs immediate help
The NHS has issued a warning not to ignore symptoms which happen on your face as it could be an indicator of Bell's palsy. According to the health service's official website, Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis and typically presents as "temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects one side of the face."
While the condition is often temporary, treatment with steroids may be necessary, and most individuals recover within six months. However, there is a vital 72-hour window for treatment that patients need to bear in mind.
What are the symptoms of Bell's palsy?
Symptoms of Bell's palsy according to Facial Palsy UK include:
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Partial or complete paralysis of (usually) one half of the face (including the inability to close the affected eye), sometimes accompanied by a ‘drooping’ of the affected side of the face, depending on the severity of the nerve damage.
In approximately one per cent of cases, both sides of the face are affected.
Sharp pain in the inner ear during the onset of paralysis.
Impaired or altered sense of taste.
Sensitivity to loud noise.
A drying of the eye on the affected side, where the eye cannot be closed properly. Sometimes the inability to close the eye properly can result in the eye watering, as it over-compensates for being too dry. It’s important to use drops/ointments to keep the eye lubricated.
Difficulty with eating, due to loss of control of the lips and cheek on one side; food may get trapped in some areas as a result, and there may be involuntary drooling.
Difficulty with speaking clearly, particularly with pronouncing particular sounds and letters, such as ‘B’ and ‘P’.
Streaming nostril on the affected side, due to loss of muscle control around the nose.
The NHS further add that a little-known symptom is also a dry mouth. You may also find it difficult to close the eye on the weak side of your face. In rare cases, both side of your face may not be able to move.
When do I need to call 999?
The experts say you need to call 99 if any of the following occurs as it could be a sign of a stroke.
somebody's face droops on 1 side (the mouth or eye may have drooped)
a person cannot lift up both arms and keep them there
a person has difficulty speaking (speech may be slurred or garbled)
When should I see a GP?
It is vital to seek help within 72 hours. The NHS stats that if you have symptoms of Bell's palsy, timing is key as "treatment for Bell's palsy is more effective if started early".
What is the treatment for Bell's palsy?
Treatments for Bell's palsy include:
a 10-day course of steroid medicine, sometimes with antiviral medicine
eye drops and ointment to stop the affected eye drying out
surgical tape to keep the eye closed at bedtime
If you cannot close your eye, you may need treatment to prevent damage to your vision. As previously stated, people should get better within 6 months but it could take longer for others.
"Go back to see a GP if your symptoms are not getting better after 3 weeks", the NHS warns. There is however a chance that you could have permanent facial weakness and symptoms such as:
pain in their face, around the jaw and behind the ear
a constantly watering eye
difficulty eating and drinking
changes in their sense of taste
difficulty with loud sounds