Bell's Palsy Treatment in India

Types of Bells Palsy Treatment India

Some of the types of treatments used for Bell’s palsy are described below:

• Corticosteroids
• Antiviral Medications
• Physical Therapy
• Eye Protection
• Electrical Stimulation
• Surgery

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid medications are often used as the first line of treatment for Bell's palsy. These medications reduce swelling around the facial nerve which can help in the recovery and lowers the chances of nerve damage. These medications help control the symptoms of Bell’s palsy.

Antiviral Medications

When Bell's palsy is caused by a viral infection, these medications are used to treat the infections. Patients are dealt with antiviral medications who have a history of infection. It is often used with combinations of other treatments.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is important to manage the complications of Bell's palsy. Specially designed exercises and facial massage techniques are used to improve muscle strength and overall function of facial muscles. These exercises can help the patient to move the muscles of the face with greater ease.

Eye Protection

Bell's palsy can affect the eye on the affected side which can lead to problems like dryness, excessive tearing, and difficulty in closing the eye. To treat the eye, eye drops or creams are often used. 

Electrical Stimulation

Some healthcare professionals also use electrical stimulation techniques in the treatment of Bell’s palsy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method in which low levels of electrical currents are used to stimulate the muscles of the face. 

Surgery

Surgical treatment is often done when all other treatments do not show any response and the patient is severely affected by the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. In such cases, surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the nerve that supplies the muscles by removing a small portion of bone near the nerve. This surgical procedure can help in the recovery of patients.

Diagnosis of Bells Palsy Treatment India

Some of the methods to diagnose Bell’s palsy are described below:

Medical History

The healthcare provider asks about the medical history of the patient which can give an idea about the cause of the disease.

Physical Examination

The doctor performs some tests on the patient to check the ability of the patient to move the muscles of the face on both sides. It can also give the idea about diagnosis if there is asymmetry present.

Exclusion of Other Conditions

Sometimes brain hemorrhage and brain tumors can also produce the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. So it is an important part of diagnosis to rule out other medical conditions before making the confirmed diagnosis.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be performed to check for signs of infection in the body and to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed to see the nerve that supplies the facial muscles. It is also performed to find out structural abnormalities or tumors.

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies

These tests are very helpful to examine the activity of the muscles of the face and nerves. These tests can also determine the extent of nerve damage.

Cost of Bell’s Palsy Treatment in India

The cost of Bell’s palsy treatment in India ranges from 532 USD to 4,972 USD. The cost can vary according to the types of treatment and the need for physical therapy sessions for an individual patient. The surgical treatment of Bell's palsy can also increase the cost.

Symptoms and Risk factors

Some of the symptoms of Bell’s palsy are as follows:

• Facial weakness or paralysis
• Drooping of one side of the face
• Inability to close one eye
• Inability to smile
• Loss of taste sensation
• Increased sensitivity to sound in one ear
• Excessive tearing or dry eye
• Drooping eyebrow on one side
• Difficulty with facial expressions
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the face
• Pain or discomfort around the jaw or behind the ear
• Altered sense of touch on the face
• Difficulty speaking or eating
• Impaired sense of smell
• Increased drooling
• Difficulty with blinking on one side

Risk Factors of Bell’s Palsy

Some of the risk factors that are associated with Bell’s palsy are as follows:

Viral Infections

Many types of viruses that cause infection of the ears can also cause the swelling of nerves of facial muscles. This complication can lead to the development of Bell's palsy.

Age

The condition of Bell's palsy mostly occurs in the age group of 20-50 years. However, it can be present at any age.

Gender

Some studies show that there are higher chances of females developing the condition of Bell’s palsy than the male population.

Diabetes

Patients suffering from diabetes are at more risk of Bell’s palsy. This can be due to the effect of diabetes on nerve functions. So diabetic patients can also have Bell’s palsy as a complication.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Some infections of the upper respiratory system that cause the symptoms of flu and allergy can also cause the condition of Bell’s palsy. 

Immune System Disorders

Some diseases that lower the immunity of a patient can also affect the ability of a patient to fight against germs which can lead to various other complications including Bell's palsy.

Stress

Increased stress levels are also associated with the development of Bell’s palsy in some patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women particularly in the third trimester may have a slightly higher risk of developing Bell's palsy. It can be due to continuous changes in hormones and increased physical stress.