Bell’s Palsy

Question 1

Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis) Patho

Answer 1

• Cranial nerve 7
• Paralysis caused by inflammation which weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles
• Often triggered by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)

Question 2

Bell’s Palsy S/S:

Answer 2

• Rapid onset
• Unilateral (one sided)
• Decreased tearing
• pain in face, ear and in the eye
• Speech and eating affected
• inability to furrow brow; have them try to lift brow
• Drooping eyelid, and cannot close eye
• No muscle tone in cheek
• Drooping mouth, and cannot smile or pucker lips, or chew
  — aspiration risk

Question 3

Bell’s Palsy Nursing intervention

Answer 3

• rule out stroke first
• Provide and reinforce information and reassurance that stroke has not occurred
• Protection of the eye from injury; cover eye with shield at night, instruct patient to close eyelid, use of eye ointment and sunglasses
• Facial exercises and massage to maintain muscle tone
• Patient Education
  — Prevent complications
  — Eat and drink; aspiration
  — Prevent muscle atrophy; dont use eye patch during day
• Emotional support

Question 4

Bell’s Palsy Medical Management

Answer 4

• Corticosteroid therapy may be used to reduce inflammation and diminish severity of the disorder