BELLS PALSY - The condition is named for Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who studied the nerve

and its innervation of the facial muscles 200 years ago. - A form of facial paralysis - is caused by unilateral inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve - Results in weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on the affected side. - Rarely recurs. Risk Factors: - Pregnant - Diabetes - Family history - Have an upper respiratory infection, such as the flu or a cold - Frequent middle ear infections - Traumatic injury of head and face - Tumors causing nerve compression Clinical Manifestations: - face is distorted - Facial swelling - increased lacrimation (tearing) - painful sensations (face, behind of ear, eye) - speech difficulties - unable to eat in the affected side - Weakness - Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) Pharmacologic Management: - Corticosteroid (prednisone) - Antivirals (such as acyclovir) - B vitamins (B1 , B6, B12) - Methylcobalamin

Nursing Management: - protects the eye from injury - protective shield of the eye at night - moisturizing eye drops at daytime - eye ointment at bedtime - used of sunglasses or goggles - facial exercises such as wrinkling the forehead, blowing out the cheeks and whistling - Heat - Bed rest Surgical Management: - Smile surgery - Facial nerve repair - Nerve substitution - Muscle transposition - Cosmetic surgeries