Understanding Bell’s Palsy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
- Julian Simpson
- May 1
- 2 min read
Understanding Bell’s Palsy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
With a lifetime risk of one in 60, the median onset of Bell’s palsy is roughly 40 years of age; however, it can be seen in all age groups
Some of the major risk factors for developing Bell’s palsy include pregnancy, preeclampsia, obesity, and hypertension
Bell’s palsy disproportionately affects pregnant women; diabetics; those who experience upper respiratory tract infections, such as influenza and rhinovirus; and those who have undergone tooth root extraction
Several comorbidities associated with Bell’s palsy have been reported, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and other dyslipidemias
There are at least two microorganisms that are known to cause Bell’s palsy
These infectious pathogens include Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, and varicella zoster virus, which causes Ramsay-Hunt syndrome
Some studies found that there is an increased prevalence of Borrelia antibodies among patients with Bell’s palsy
What do Drs Look for in Bells Palsy
The classic features of Bell’s palsy include forehead wrinkling, ptosis of the eyebrow, drooping of corners of the mouth, flattening of the nasolabial fold, and incomplete closure of eyelids
Symptoms can range from mild to severe facial paralysis. Symptoms can also include trouble blinking, impeded speech, and incomplete smiling
Hyperacusis, decreased production of tears, and altered taste may also be noted
Treatment for Bells Palsy with Medicine and Chiropractic.
While 80%-90% of patients will recover fully, there are still those with residual deficits, such as difficulty with eye closure, asymmetric smile, eyebrow droop, or difficulty eating
Pharmacological management of Bell’s palsy without an apparent underlying cause includes the use of corticosteroids within the first 72 hours of onset of symptoms
Chiropractic therapy involves
laser treatment, exercise, massage, and electrotherapy all aim to increase muscle function .
This is accomplished by decreased swelling, increased blood flow, and increased oxygen delivery to the affected tissue .
Physical therapy has been shown to provide some benefit in patients with Bell's palsy, with minimal risk to patients.
Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be successful in limited case studies .
Anatomically speaking, the upper cervical adjustment could have changed tension from the meninges, thus reducing a possible entrapment neuropathy
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Gardner S, Garber L, Grossi J. Bell's Palsy: Description, Diagnosis, and Current Management. Cureus. 2025 Jan 19;17(1):e77656. doi: 10.7759/cureus.77656. PMID: 39974265; PMCID: PMC11835628.
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