Patients with Bell’s palsy usually have a rapid recovery

Experts explain that the disease, which affected influencer Gustavo Tubarão, is caused by an inflammation of the facial nerve caused mainly by a virus.

Recently, the digital influencer of Minas Gerais Gustavo Tubarão he worried his fans a lot by posting a video on Instagram in which he revealed that he suffered from Bell’s palsy. Frightened, the 21-year-old confessed that when he first showed symptoms, he had an anxiety crisis, as he believed it was a cerebral vascular accident (CVA).

“I went to lunch and lunch time, my mouth was weird. I looked in the mirror and my face was twisted, as you can see the right side of my face was blocked. I started having a seizure. “Very strong anxiety, I had a panic attack. I thought I was having a stroke or a stroke … Thank God, I have medical cousins. I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy,” she said. “No need to worry. I’m fine. The only pain I feel is behind my ear here,” she added.

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A post shared by Gustavo Tubara ~ o (@ogustavotubarao)

But what is Bell’s palsy? According to Kátia Blume, a dental surgeon who specializes in cosmetic dentistry, it’s a condition in which the facial nerve that controls the contraction of the facial muscles causes the nerve to stop working partially or completely.

“It is often said to be caused by a sudden change in temperature, but this is not proven. What is known and more scientifically based is that it is caused by inflammation of the facial nerve mainly caused by viruses, such as herpes. zoster, “he explains.

Justin Bieber case

The issue was discussed long after a video posted on social media by Justin Bieber revealing that his face was partially paralyzed. In it, the singer said he suffers from a disease called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. According to the dental surgeon, Bell’s palsy can also be caused by the same virus described by the singer.

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A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

The most common symptoms caused by Bell’s palsy, according to Katia, are weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, difficulty opening the eyes, and deviation of the mouth when smiling. You may still have pain behind the ear and loud noises.

Most people recover quickly from this condition, warrants the specialist: “Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation caused in the nerve. Antivirals are also indicated. This condition can affect anyone, but is more common in immunosuppressants, diabetics. , in the elderly and in individuals with low immunity. Leading a healthy life, exercising and controlling stress is the primary way to avoid this paralysis. “

Disease investigation

Neurosurgeon Felipe Mendes, a member of the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery, explains that he does not know with certainty the whole mechanism involved behind the development of this disease. “But we know that viral reactivation, for example, such as the herpes simplex virus, has a great contribution, but other viruses such as Epstein-Barr (virus of the herpes family, one of the most common in humans) can also cause a facial paralysis picture “, he points out.

According to the neurosurgeon, the disease usually has a variable presentation, that is, it usually begins suddenly. “The person wakes up, looks in the mirror and sees that half of the face is strange, different, asymmetrical to the other side. We use a rating scale to tell if the paralysis is milder, moderate or severe. The scale varies from grades 1 to 6. So, generally, when there is this pathological process, it has a self-limiting course. Usually within 10-14 days, the vast majority of people will feel an improvement. And in two to three weeks, the great la majority already completely improves, “he says.

Medicines and healing

In addition to corticosteroids, mentioned by Kátia Blume, a drug widely used during the acute phase of the disease to help reduce the duration of the disease, another drug is usually prescribed. “Since this disease also affects the blinking movement of the eyes, the ocular mucosa can become very dry and, consequently, increase the risk of eye complications. So it is very important to use lubricating eye drops as well,” Felipe points out.

The good news is that the vast majority of people will recover, says the expert. “But unfortunately, there is a small part that may not improve or continue to deteriorate after 10, 14 days. For this group of people it is important to conduct a more thorough investigation. For example, do some imaging tests such as MRI. , to rule out other types of problems and diseases that can simulate facial paralysis, such as, for example, the image of some lesion or tumor in the territory of the facial nerve, “he warns.

“After doing all this investigation and discovering that no other injury has been found that justifies it and that it is really Bell’s palsy, in that group of people who have not really improved, we have a surgical technique, where the removal of a position of a nerve, which goes to the tongue, and this nerve is connected to the facial nerve.This way, in combination with rehabilitation with physiotherapy, the result is generally good and people who would have a serious following, can present an important improvement in this asymmetry, to have a better quality of life, “says the neurosurgeon.

Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.