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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Bell's Palsy for 7 months
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Bell's Palsy for 7 months
by wuff, Mar 12, 2003 12:00AM
Bell's palsy affected me in late Aug 2002 during the 37th week of my pregnancy. The GP I went to, could not prescribe any drugs to me due to my condition then. Subsequently, I actually had my delivery induced as my blood pressure shot up and couldn't stabilise.
After childbirth, I sought acupuncture treatment and have been doing so for the last 6 months. Although, I am able to smile, knit the brows a bit, many parts are still tight/numb. At this point, I would like to know if taking steriods (as what would have been prescribed at the onset ?) would help my condition ?
After childbirth, I sought acupuncture treatment and have been doing so for the last 6 months. Although, I am able to smile, knit the brows a bit, many parts are still tight/numb. At this point, I would like to know if taking steriods (as what would have been prescribed at the onset ?) would help my condition ?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Mar 12, 2003 12:00AM
There have been reports that Bell's palsy is 3-4 times more common during the last trimester of pregnancy. Treatment during this time with steroids is still controversial, so it's understandable that your doc held off on treatment in your case. Unfortunately, however, the data shows that corticosteroid treatment may be beneficial only if given in the first 7-10 days of onset (best in first 5 days). Taking the prednisone now (6 months out) is unlikely to have any effect as the whole point of steroids is to decrease the theorized inflammation of the nerve which occurs early on. The good news is that most patients do recover with time. In the meantime, make sure your eye is well protected with artificial tears and try massaging your facial muscles. Best of luck.
Can I suggest you look at this website?
http://dianafarragher.co.uk
This lady is a UK physio who developed the facial stimulators that are used so successfully in treating facial paralysis
Good luck!
www.glennisjones-physio.co.uk
I would do the same thing (having the implant) knowing what I know now. I will have the weight removed as soon as the paralysis is completely gone.