Bell's Palsy?

[Snicot]

Has anyone else in this group been diagnosed with Bells palsy? If so, how long did it last for you? And what did you do for the pain behind your ear?

[FRC23]

See a sleep center. Recurrent "Bells Palsy" is actually very characteristic of narcolepsy with cataplexy. In fact, often times, it's not "Bells Palsy," but cataplexy. Viruses and some vaccines (namely the H1N1) can actually precipitate this, but it can happen seemingly in random fashion, too.

It doesn't look the way you think it looks. Common misdiagnoses are depression, epilepsy, and migraines. I struggled for years to find an answer, and was misdiagnosed several times. I had it with just sleepiness during the day and what looked like insomnia at night for probably about 15-20 years before I ended up with more serious symptoms of narcolepsy that actually included cataplexy (random muscle weakness that can either be isolated, or widespread).

The cataplexy manifested first in my face, as what looked like episodes of Bells Palsy that came and went when I was tired, stressed, or even when I was happy and smiling.  But when I paid closer attention I realized I got weakness and twitching (not uncommon) in my other muscles sometimes too, though I chalked it up to clumsiness until I paid attention. I also had issues with my vision randomly and sleepiness.

I went undiagnosed for about 15-20 years, until I finally saw a sleep specialist and she nailed the diagnosis right away. The vast majority of doctors have absolutely no idea what it is or what it looks like, and no routine lab tests, MRI, CT scan, x-ray or anything of that nature will detect it. 75% of people with narcolepsy never get diagnosed in their lifetime.

I was tested for epilepsy, migraines, MS, all kinds of things. But nope, it turned out to be narcolepsy!!

Get seen by a sleep center!

[Snicot]

Siblings are the worst sometimes. Lol But on a brighter note I Woke up this morning with no pain and I am able to fully close my eye and move my bottom lip! Small improvements, but pretty good for only having it for 4 days.

Not so good, I found out that Bell's palsy is directly related to Preeclampsia. :/ Feeling like I can't catch a break this pregnancy. Only 5 weeks to go!

[Rng2006]

I had it when I was 12. I had a teenage brother and sister at the time so trust me I know what you mean about your family making fun of you. They still do to this day. I just laugh with them because as time passes and it goes away it became just a funny memory. I know it wasnt MY face they were laughing at, it was the condition. We even joke that my brother caused it because he farted near my face around the time I got it. Lol!It lasted a few weeks and I was prescribed a steroid pill to helps speed up the healing process. I don't remember having any pain at all. Unfortunately,  all you can take is tylenol if you are preggers.

[showard022]

A girl in my school had it only 3 weeks.

[bump_2_be]

My friends sister had it during pregnancy and it went away after birth, so with any luck same thing may happen for you. Best of luck

[Snicot]

I'm hanging in the best I can. I'm hoping the worst of it is gone by the time my little one arrives in January. But thank you for your advice. And hopefully your husband doesn't ever get it again. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

[MommyOfMandA]

Unfortunately I think it's something that just has to run its course but my husband tried to do stretches everyday. I'm not sure if they helped or not. He had it this time last year though and I know how terrible it is to go through. That is really rude of your family. It's not your fault and they shouldn't be bringing you down like that when it's already a difficult thing. My husband couldn't drive much because his eye would get dry from not being able to blink all the way and he had trouble sleeping as well as using mouthwash. Hopefully it doesn't last that long for you. He got his on thanksgiving morning last year and it went away around christmas. Hang in there.

[Snicot]

I'm hoping it doesn't last too long. The pain behind my ear is terrible. And my family calling me Quasimodo and making retard jokes isn't making it any easier. Is there a way to speed up the healing process? Or it is one of those things you just have to tough out?

[MommyOfMandA]

Can't*

[MommyOfMandA]

My husband had it for almost exactly a month. He completely got movement back and you can tell he ever had it by looking at him. Not sure about the ear thing though.

[allidawn]

My father in law has had it for 3 years after a while you cant tell. And it can last a week or a life time just depends on the person.

[Snicot]

Yikes! I'm having a hard time adjusting to it and I've only had it for 3 days! I couldn't imagine a year and a half. And the pain feels like an ear infection except not in my ear..I've tried Tylenol. Might have to try a heating pad or something.

[marskhaos]

My sister had it, she had it bad for like a year and a half, but you can still somewhat see it. And idt she had pain behind her ear. If she did she took reg. Tylenol