How to Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders

Bell's Palsy is a facial nerve disorder in which the nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis that can cause the affected side of your face to droop. The exact cause of Bell's Palsy is unclear (it may be caused by a virus), so there is no known way to prevent or cure it. Luckily, Bell's Palsy usually clears up within a few weeks or months, and there are some things you can do to aid in the recovery process.[1] Your doctor can prescribe medications and you should also follow at-home care methods to speed recovery time. There are also alternative methods that are not proven to cure Bell's Palsy, but which may ease symptoms caused by it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Medication

  1. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 1
    1
    See your doctor immediately. Treating Bell's Palsy is easiest if given prompt attention. If you have unusual feelings in your face or an inability to control your facial muscles, let your doctor know as soon as possible. They can determine if the problem is Bell's Palsy or a different medical issue, and determine the best treatment plan for you. Signs that you may have Bell's Palsy include: [2]
    • Trouble closing or blinking one or both eyes
    • Difficulty controlling facial expressions
    • Twitching
    • Drooping eyelids
    • Drooling
    • Difficulty tasting
    • Dry eye or mouth
    • Excessive tearing of the eye
  2. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 2
    2
    Take prednisone. This corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory that your doctor may prescribe.[3] [4] Your doctor may prescribe you to take it for a week, then reduce the dosage for the following week.[5]
    • As an anti-inflammatory, prednisone may help reduce the swelling of the facial nerve causing Bell's Palsy. It may also relieve some of the pain caused by muscle tension.
    • Before taking prednisone, talk with your doctor about possible drug interactions, especially if you are taking birth control, blood thinners, or have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or heart problems, or if you are pregnant or nursing.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 3
    3
    Take antivirals. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is used to fight herpes simplex (which causes cold sores), but it may also help treat Bell's Palsy.[6] It is not certain that acyclovir alone can have this effect, but it is often prescribed in combination with prednisone as a treatment for the disorder.[7] [8]
    • The combination of acyclovir and prednisone as an effective treatment suggests that Bell's Palsy may be caused by herpes simplex.[9]
  4. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 4
    4
    Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Bell's Palsy may cause pain in addition to the loss of muscle control and other symptoms. Taking OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help reduce your discomfort.[10]
    • To prevent harmful drug interactions, always talk to your doctor about taking any over-the-counter medications if you are currently on any prescription medications.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Following At-Home Care

  1. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 5
    1
    Protect your eye. Since Bell's Palsy can make it difficult to close an eyelid, the eye on the affected side may become irritated and dry. To keep the eye moist, try lubricating eye drops or ointments, and an eyepatch.[11] Wearing glasses or goggles during the day and an eye patch at night can help keep irritating debris out of the eye.[12]
    • Limit computer time when you are suffering from Bell's Palsy, since excessive computer use can lead to dry eyes.[13]
  2. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 6
    2
    Apply moist heat. Wet a cloth in warm water and wring it out. Place it over the affected part of your face for several minutes. Repeat this application several times a day to relieve pain caused by Bell's Palsy.[14] [15]
  3. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 7
    3
    Add vitamin therapy. Certain vitamins and minerals (including B12, B6, and zinc) can promote nerve growth. These may help to relieve your Bell's Palsy, since its symptoms are related to nerve damage.[16]
    • Good sources of vitamin B6 include avocado, banana, beans, meat, nuts, and whole grains.[17]
    • Good sources of vitamin B12 include beef liver, shellfish, meat, eggs, milk, and some fortified cereals.[18]
    • Good sources of zinc include high-protein meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and dark meat chicken; nuts, beans, and whole grains.[19]
    • You can also ask your doctor about taking supplements to ensure that you get enough B12, B6, and zinc.
  4. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 8
    4
    Be patient. Recovery time depends on the extent of nerve damage and whether you're also being treated for an obvious cause of Bell's palsy. While the length of recovery time varies from person to person, symptoms usually improve within two weeks (with or without treatment). Even if this is the case, it may take your body three to six months before you're completely recovered.
    • The symptoms of Bell's Palsy may recur, even after you're completely recovered. Be sure to talk with your doctor again to determine if there's an obvious cause.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trying Alternative Treatments

  1. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 9
    1
    Practice biofeedback. This is a process of learning to train your mind to understand and control your body. It can help get facial function back by conditioning you to consciously think about controlling your facial muscles and to be aware of sensation in the area affected by Bell's Palsy.[20] [21] Specific biofeedback techniques will vary based on your case, so ask your doctor to recommend a particular biofeedback program.
  2. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 10
    2
    Work on physical therapy exercises. By training your facial muscles using various exercises, you can regain some of your facial functions. These exercises can also help relieve some of the symptoms of Bell's Palsy, including pain.[22] Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist that has experience in treating Bell's Palsy.
  3. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 11
    3
    Get facial massage. Like physical therapy, facial massage can help restore function to the area affected by Bell's Palsy, and ease some of the discomfort caused by it. Ask your doctor about a referral to a massage therapist with experience in treating Bell's Palsy with facial massage.
  4. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 13
    4
    Consider electrical stimulation.[23] In some cases, your doctor may recommend electrical stimulation as a way of restoring function to your face and/or encouraging nerve development to aid your recovery. This should only be attempted by trained medical professionals, and only when your doctor determines it will be beneficial.
  5. Image titled Cure Bell's Palsy Facial Nerve Disorders Step 14
    5
    Do relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises may relieve muscle tension and pain. There is no verification that this will cure Bell's Palsy, but it may help with the general discomfort caused by it[24]
    • Bell's Palsy can cause stress as well as physical discomfort. Relaxation techniques can also serve as a form of emotional therapy.[25]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    Does lack of sleep or stress cause Bell's Palsy?
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    While we aren't exactly sure what causes it, anything that might affect your overall health will decrease your immune system and put you at increased risk for infection or illness.
  • Question
    After being diagnosed, when is the best time to start facial exercises?
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Start right away by looking in the mirror and making faces so you can see your progress. Simple facial expressions that use many of your muscles included surprised, angry, smiling, and puckered lips.
  • Question
    What kind of food should I serve a patient with Bell's Palsy?
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.
    Janice Litza, MD
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Bell's or facial nerve palsy only affects the muscles of the face and should not affect chewing or swallowing. The only risk is food escaping the side of the mouth and drooling, so small portions are best.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Surgery is rarely recommended for Bell's Palsy, and only to correct severe damage.[26] Decompression surgery relieves pressure on the facial nerve by opening the bony passage that the nerve passes through; however, nerve injury, hearing loss, and other damages can result, so it is generally no longer recommended.[27]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Stop Shaking Hands
How to
Stop Shaking Hands
Stop Shaking
How to
Stop Shaking
Stop Legs from Shaking
How to
Stop Legs from Shaking
Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch
How to
Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch
Test for Parkinson's Disease
How to
Test for Parkinson's Disease
Tell the Difference Between Tourette's Syndrome and Transient Tic Disorder
How to
Tell the Difference Between Tourette's Syndrome and Transient Tic Disorder
Stop Having Tics
How to
Stop Having Tics
Prevent Parkinson's Disease
How to
Prevent Parkinson's Disease
Stop Twitching in Your Sleep
How to
Stop Twitching in Your Sleep
Stop Tremors
How to
Stop Tremors
Help Someone Cope With Parkinson's Disease
How to
Help Someone Cope With Parkinson's Disease
Deal With Neurotic Twitching
How to
Deal With Neurotic Twitching
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000773.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
  3. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/treatment/con-20020529
  5. ↑ http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/neuro-ophthalmologic-and-cranial-nerve-disorders/facial-nerve-palsy
  6. ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy
  7. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  8. ↑ http://www.stlouischildrens.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy
  9. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8651631
  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
  2. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
  4. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
  6. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  7. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  8. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002402.htm
  9. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403.htm
  10. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002416.htm
  11. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
  12. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529
  14. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  15. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/
  16. ↑ http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/bells-palsy
  17. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bellspalsy.html
  18. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020529

About This Article

Janice Litza, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998. This article has been viewed 408,040 times.
55 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 41
Updated: September 11, 2022
Views: 408,040
Categories: Movement Disorders

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To cure Bell's Palsy, it's important to see your doctor immediately to address your symptoms before they get worse. Your doctor will probably prescribe a course of prednisone, which is an anti-inflammatory, to reduce swelling. This can also help you manage some of the pain you're feeling, since it's caused by muscle tension. Many doctors also prescribe acyclovir, an antiviral medication, along with the prednisone. Finally, keep your eyes moist with eye drops and consider protecting the affected eye with an eye patch until you recover. For tips on dietary changes that may help you recover faster, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement