Bell’s palsy is a condition that affects the facial nerve, which is one of the cranial (head) nerves. The facial nerve controls muscles of the face, and so when it is affected by Bell’s palsy, the muscles on the affected side of the face droop, giving the face its characteristic lopsided appearance (Better Health Channel 2006).
The condition has a sudden onset, with maximum paralysis achieved between two and five days. Often, there are no warning signs and symptoms prior to the onset of paralysis, however, in some cases, people may note symptoms such as a pain behind or around the ear, impaired taste and/or distortion of sound (Postgraduate Medicine online 2003).
Symptoms and characteristics
Following the onset of paralysis, the affected face muscles will become hypotonic (floppy and difficult to control). A person with Bell’s palsy will find it difficult to eat, chew and speak, in addition to closing the eye on the affected side.
Statistics
In every 100 000 people, 23 will experience Bell's palsy each year. Bell’s palsy is most prevalent in people aged 15 to 25 and in those over 60 years old and pregnant women, people with diabetes and people with a cold or flu are at a higher risk (Roper and Brown 2005).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Bells' palsy, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 7 February 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcArticles.nsf/pages/Bell's_palsy?OpenDocument>.
Postgraduate Medicine online 2003, vol. 114, no. 2, Bell's palsy (patient notes), Vendome Group, New York, viewed 7 February 2007, <http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2003/08_03/pn_palsy.htm>.
Roper, A & Brown, R 2005, Adams and Victor’s Principles of Neurology, 8th edition, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Columbus, viewed 7 February 2007, <http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=54>.