Bell's Palsy

beechescomposter

mr_rush wrote: »

Private MRI scan costs £200 in Hereford. (see https://www.uk-radiology.co.uk). Bells palsy is nowadays investigated in case it is not Bells palsy at all but another cause of facial palsy

this really isn't the case at all. You only investigate when there is suspicion of stroke - i.e. an ischaemic event or bleed in the base of the brain where the nerve that supplies the facial muscles (facial nerve) comes from.

the vast majority of Bell's cases are not investigated any further. They are simply treated - usually with a course of steroids, an eye patch and possibly a course of antivirals.

Mr Rush is correct; idiopathic Bells Palsy needs no investigation. Only problem is that you only know its idiopathic Bells palsy after it has got better. It certainly won't need to be investigated then.
It does look like Sarahsavers palsy is getting better so investigation unnecessary. Have a look at this article from Mayo Clinic. Common in pregnancy-so perhaps your trying has paid off!
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bells-palsy/DS00168/DSECTION=1

Sarahsaver

I would rather have a scan first just to see what is physically going on.
I have successfully used homeopathy for other things in the past but I am going to save up for a scan. THings are back to normal now but if there are any problems I am going to pester the stroke consultant to scan me again.

~*Plushroom*~

Toothsmith wrote: »

Doctor or dentist ASAP.

Bells Palsy needs to be treated with steroids and antivirals ASAP.

The numbness & paralysis can last for a period of time somewhere between days and permanent.

The sooner it's treated, the less likely it is to last for long.

That's how my little brother was treated a few years back when he had it, took about two months before he was completely back to his usual face pulling self.

mr_rush

I would rather have a scan first just to see what is physically going on.
I am going to pester the stroke consultant to scan me again.

speak to your consultant, if s/he thinks you need repeat CT or MR then I'm sure they will arrange it. You can't really demand another scan just for your own reassurance.

carla40

hi sarah, i'm sorry to bring this thread up after all this time, i have been told today that i have bell's palsy, to be honest i'm really scared, i've been given steroids and antiviral tablets and i have to go to the hospital on wednesday, i was wondering how you are after all this time, i will understand if you don't reply to my post, thanks anyway
carla xx

lostinrates

carla40 wrote: »

hi sarah, i'm sorry to bring this thread up after all this time, i have been told today that i have bell's palsy, to be honest i'm really scared, i've been given steroids and antiviral tablets and i have to go to the hospital on wednesday, i was wondering how you are after all this time, i will understand if you don't reply to my post, thanks anyway
carla xx

Hi, I'm not sarah, but I have had Bell's Palsy. (more than once, I guess like a previous poster I'm another one in a million!). I found, though scary and inconvenient, the most effective (i.e. quick) treatment was the first time: admitted into hospital and put on steroids. They seem to like to do this with in a short time frame of diagnosis though.

Don't be scared. In my experience Wednesday will see you atempting to make a rabbit face on command. I found an eyepatch quite useful when sleeping, as the eye doesn't close usually, so that gives it some protection. OTOH now is a good time to convince any kids in your family you really do sleep with one eye open. (how apt i the winky smilie. )

Just take care, try not to worry and relax. The palsy itself, and all tests, are not painful in the least, and I'm assured by far the majority recover fully

Fork86

carla40 wrote: »

hi sarah, i'm sorry to bring this thread up after all this time, i have been told today that i have bell's palsy, to be honest i'm really scared, i've been given steroids and antiviral tablets and i have to go to the hospital on wednesday, i was wondering how you are after all this time, i will understand if you don't reply to my post, thanks anyway
carla xx

As long as you've been given the steroids and antivirals within the first few days of your symptoms, your chances of improvement rise significantly.

75% recover fully, within a period of anywhere up to 6 months (but usually 3-8 weeks).

Just remember to wear a moist eye patch at night!

carla40

thank you both for replying to me, i've been told that i'm very lucky, i started the medication well within the 72 hours, also i am able to close my eye which i'm really glad about, i went to the hospital today and all she did was look into my ears to see if there was an infection, but it was clear, i was told it is just a matter of time now to see how much healing there will be, i was really scared at first but i have been reassured by so many people, thank you once again for replying to me xxx