Bell’s palsy is a condition where the muscle of the face weakens. This condition happens due to the dysfunction of the seventh cranial nerve.
The seventh cranial does its job by sending information to the brain and facial muscles. It controls facial expression. This condition usually affects people aged 10-40 years old.
In addition, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has listed eight signs of bell palsy to give awareness among people.
1) your sense of taste is affected
2) unable to close your eyes
3) you find it hard to frown
4) one side of the facial muscle weakens
5) hard to chew
6) only one of your face functions when you smile
7) dry eyes or tear falling
8) your hearing becomes sensitive (hearing things louder than usual)
Anyone can get this condition. However, the people who are more at risk are pregnant women, people with preeclampsia, obese people and diabetic people. Besides that, people with the upper respiratory infections are also at risk.
Bell’s palsy usually affects one side of the face. It is rare for the condition to affect both sides of the face. The majority of the people who got affected by the condition recovered without any treatment. However, if you feel alarmed by the signs, please seek medical advice from a professional.