Bell’s Palsy – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Ayurvedic Cure | Raseshwar Herbal
Bell’s Palsy – Introduction
Bell’s Palsy is an acute peripheral facial nerve paralysis that results in temporary or sometimes prolonged loss of muscle control on one side of the face. The condition arises due to swelling, inflammation, or compression of the 7th cranial nerve as it passes through a narrow bony channel in the skull. This sudden nerve dysfunction disrupts facial muscle communication and results in drooping of the facial muscles, inability to close the eye, smiling asymmetry, slurred speech, drooling, altered taste sensation, and facial numbness.
Bell’s Palsy affects individuals of all age groups, but the highest prevalence is observed between ages 15 and 60. The condition typically appears suddenly, often within a few hours or overnight, and causes significant psychological concern due to facial distortion. Though many individuals recover partially or completely within weeks, some cases develop chronic deficits or synkinesis (abnormal involuntary movements) if not treated on time.
Causes of Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy results from inflammation, swelling, or compression of the facial nerve, which disrupts normal nerve signaling. The exact cause is not always identified, but several underlying triggering factors are known. Major contributing factors include:
Viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza, and viral meningitis can inflame the facial nerve. Reactivation of latent viral infection due to weakened immunity plays a major causative role. Autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerve coverings. Inflammatory processes following respiratory infections, fever, or stress weaken nerve conduction. Diabetes leading to microvascular damage affecting nerve oxygenation. Trauma to the head, ear, or face creating mechanical pressure around nerve pathways. Ear infections such as otitis media producing swelling around the nerve canal. Sudden exposure to cold air or chilled wind, particularly around the face and neck, is a particularly common trigger. High emotional or physical stress that weakens nerve functioning. Hypertension and circulatory issues reducing blood supply to the nerve. Nutritional deficiencies including vitamin B12, B6, D, and essential fatty acids impairing nerve signaling. Pregnancy and post-partum hormonal shifts increasing susceptibility due to water retention and immune changes. Lyme disease or other infections affecting cranial nerves. Tumors or lesions around the brain or ear region compressing the nerve. Thyroid imbalance affecting overall metabolism and nerve function.
Signs & Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
Symptoms develop rapidly, usually within hours, and reach peak severity within 48 to 72 hours. The indications may vary in intensity depending on the extent of nerve damage.
Sudden weakness or complete paralysis on one side of the face. Drooping of the mouth corner with inability to smile or show teeth evenly. Difficulty closing the eye, resulting in dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, or incomplete blinking. Drooling of saliva due to inability to control mouth muscles. Loss or reduction of taste sensation on the front portion of the tongue. Increased sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) in the affected ear. Dull pain behind the ear preceding facial paralysis. Loss of facial expressions, difficulty frowning, raising eyebrows, or puffing cheeks. Difficulty in speaking clearly due to impaired lip movement. Facial numbness or heaviness. Headache or facial pain. Difficulty eating, drinking, and chewing food. Twitching or tightness of facial muscles. Eye dryness-related complications such as corneal ulcers if untreated. Psychological distress including anxiety, depression, embarrassment, and social withdrawal.
In severe or prolonged cases, complications such as permanent weakness, abnormal facial movement synchronization (synkinesis), muscle contracture, or chronic paralysis can develop.
Diagnostic Methods for Bell’s Palsy
Diagnosis begins with clinical assessment, neurological examination, and elimination of other serious causes like stroke or tumors. Detailed diagnostic evaluation includes:
Evaluation of facial movement such as raising eyebrows, smiling, puffing cheeks, squeezing eyes shut, and moving lips. Sensory and motor testing to identify exact nerve damage extent. Complete medical history including onset, progression, recent infections, trauma, cold exposure, or stress. MRI or CT scan to rule out stroke, tumors, or structural brain or ear abnormalities. Electromyography (EMG) to analyze facial nerve conduction velocity and determine severity of nerve degeneration. Blood tests for diabetes, autoimmune disorders, infection markers, and vitamin deficiencies. Lumbar puncture in rare suspected neurological or infectious causes. Differential diagnosis to distinguish Bell’s palsy from stroke, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Early accurate diagnosis is crucial for planning effective treatment and preventing long-term disability.
Bell’s Palsy – Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda explains Bell’s Palsy under the disorder known as Ardita, categorized as a Vata Vyadhi. According to classical Ayurvedic science, aggravated Vata Dosha affects the nerves, muscles, and facial tissues causing sudden paralysis and asymmetry. Excessive Vata accumulation obstructs nerve channels (Srotas) resulting in dryness, stiffness, impaired nerve conduction, and defective movement.
Causative factors in Ayurveda include excessive stress, irregular sleeping patterns, fasting, overexertion, exposure to cold wind, suppressed emotions, trauma, improper diet, and ageing. When Vata establishes dominance in the facial region, it disrupts coordinated neuromuscular functioning.
Ayurvedic treatment aims to pacify aggravated Vata, nourish nerve tissues, restore muscular coordination, improve circulation, remove toxins, lubricate tissues, and stimulate facial muscle response. Panchakarma therapies like Nasyam, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Pinda Sweda, Ksheera dhooma, Akshi Tarpan, and Vasti therapy are highly successful in reversing paralysis and promoting recovery.
Herbal Remedies for Bell’s Palsy
Ayurvedic herbal formulations help repair nerve damage, improve muscle strength, reduce inflammation, and enhance neuromuscular conduction. Some of the most beneficial herbs include:
Ashwagandha which strengthens the nervous system, reduces stress, and supports nerve regeneration. Brahmi known for neuroprotective and memory enhancing properties that improve brain-nerve communication. Shankhapushpi improving neurological stability. Bala and Atibala for strengthening muscles and nerves. Dashmool effective anti-inflammatory and Vata pacifying herb combination. Rasna reducing inflammation and stiffness. Guggul formulations like Yograj Guggul for Vata imbalance and pain management. Erand taila for internal and external therapeutic application supporting nerve lubrication. Nirgundi helping pain reduction and increased blood circulation. Tulsi improving immunity and viral resistance. Turmeric and Curcumin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Medicated oils such as Mahanarayan Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, and Dhanwantharam Taila for facial massage. Cow ghee for brain and nerve nourishment. Vitamin-rich Ayurvedic supplements restoring nerve health.
Diet should emphasize warm nourishing foods like ghee, milk, soups, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, ginger, garlic, and turmeric, avoiding cold, dry, fried, junk, and processed foods. Gentle facial exercises, physiotherapy, pranayama and steam inhalation help movement restoration.
Conclusion
Bell’s Palsy, though frightening in onset, is a highly treatable condition when addressed with timely diagnosis and structured holistic management. While conventional medicine focuses on reducing inflammation and viral-induced swelling, Ayurveda offers a deeper perspective by restoring Vata balance, regenerating nerve fiber function, improving muscle control, and enhancing immunity. With proper herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, facial physiotherapy, and disciplined diet and lifestyle changes, most individuals regain complete facial strength and expression without long-term complications. Early attention and integrative care significantly speed recovery and prevent chronic paralysis, synkinesis, and psychological distress.