Treat Bell's Palsy in Children
Bell's Palsy, a rare paralysis of the face, can be frightening in its sudden onset and effect on the facial muscles. The neurological disorder can affect adults as well as children, who can face embarrassment and anger as they deal with their changed appearance. Fortunately, most cases of Bell's Palsy are temporary. Here are some ways to treat Bell's Palsy in children.
Instructions
1. Take the child immediately to the doctor when you first notice the facial paralysis, which often affects just one side of the face.
2. Expect that the doctor will first rule out stroke and other causes of facial paralysis with an MRI or a CT scan.
3. Tell the child that the disease is most likely temporary, with most cases completely resolved within three to six months. Many cases require just a few weeks of recovery.
4. Massage the child's face to keep the muscles toned for when the paralysis disappears. Facial exercise may be beneficial for recovery.
5. Give pain relievers to reduce pain and any swelling. The doctor may prescribe additional medications, depending on the suspected cause of the Bell's Palsy, including Lyme disease, injury to the face, diabetes, ear infections or the herpes simplex virus (cold sore virus).
6. Know that the doctor may prescribe eye drops for an affected eye or even an eyepatch to reduce eyestrain.
7. Make sure the child gets plenty of rest and continues to eat well to help her body recovery from the disorder.
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