Natural treatments for Bell's palsy
Bell's palsy is a condition characterized by sudden and unilateral paralysis of the face due to involvement of the seventh cranial nerve. Symptoms can include facial droop, inability to close the eye, and altered taste sensations. While conventional treatments often involve corticosteroids and antivirals, there is interest in exploring natural treatments that may support recovery.
Proposed natural treatments for Bell's palsy include acupuncture, which may alleviate symptoms, and biofeedback, which has been suggested to help prevent long-term effects. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown promise in studies, indicating faster recovery compared to traditional treatments. Additionally, vitamin B12 injections and dietary changes, such as increasing intake of B vitamins and zinc, are considered to potentially benefit nerve health.
Facial massage and stress management techniques are also recommended as supportive measures. While these natural approaches have varying degrees of scientific support, further research is needed to fully establish their efficacy in treating Bell's palsy.
Natural treatments for Bell's palsy
DEFINITION: Treatment of facial paralysis.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, biofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, vitamin B12 injections, facial massage, dietary changes, stress management
Introduction
Bell’s palsy is the common condition in which paralysis strikes the seventh cranial nerve, which controls much of the face. Only one side of the face is affected. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and painlessly and are first noticed as a droop in one corner of the mouth, with an inability to smile properly. Other symptoms include drooling, an inability to close the eye on the drooping side, tearing, impairment of taste, and pain. Although anyone can develop Bell’s palsy, it occurs most often in pregnant women and people who have diabetes, hypertension, or a respiratory infection.
Conventional treatment for Bell’s palsy involves corticosteroid drugs (such as prednisone) and sometimes the antiviral drug acyclovir. However, according to a review published in 2002, there is no reliable evidence that either treatment provides any benefit. A later published study showed a slight benefit from early, high-dose corticosteroid treatment.
Useful supportive measures for Bell’s palsy include patching the affected eye at night and using artificial tears. Surgery or electrical stimulation of the nerve is rarely used. Medical evaluation is essential because, in rare cases, Bell’s palsy may be caused by an underlying condition that requires specific treatment, such as a tumor.
In 2013, the clinical practice for treating Bell’s palsy was established as oral steroids, antivirals, and eye patching. By the mid-2020s, the recommendations for the conventional treatment of Bell’s palsy had not changed. Corticosteroids and anti-viral medications were given as a first line of defense. Anti-viral medications remained questionable but appeared to increase their effectiveness when combined with corticosteroids. Eye care techniques, pain management, and physical therapy were also recommended.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100 percent oxygen at increased pressure. Both conventional and alternative practitioners use it. A placebo-controlled study found hyperbaric oxygen more effective than prednisone. In this trial, seventy-nine people with Bell’s palsy were randomly assigned to receive either prednisone or hyperbaric oxygen (one hour twice daily, five days per week, for thirty sessions or up to full recovery). Placebo pills were given with hyperbaric therapy, and fake hyperbaric therapy was given with prednisone. The results showed a significantly greater recovery speed and a higher percentage of full recovery in the hyperbaric oxygen group compared with the prednisone group.
Many alternative practitioners recommend the use of injected vitamin B12 for Bell’s palsy. However, the only scientific support for this approach comes from one study that was not double-blind. Biofeedback is a natural therapy recommended for the treatment of Bell’s palsy. A 2018 study of facial biofeedback rehabilitation found it may prevent long-term effects of Bell’s palsy in patients. A 2015 review of patients receiving acupuncture showed that natural therapy may lessen the impact of facial paralysis in patients. However, these treatments need to undergo better testing. Several home remedies for treating Bell’s palsy, including warm massage with olive oil and supplementation with garlic to improve circulation, remain anecdotal. Other proposed natural treatments for Bell’s palsy include acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy that could improve facial function and decrease pain, as well as specific facial exercises. Increasing one’s intake of foods rich in B vitamins and zinc may promote nerve health.
Bibliography
Jalaludin, M. A. "Methylcobalamin Treatment of Bell’s Palsy." Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 17, 1995, pp. 539-544.
Jin, Dong-Eun, et al. "Herbal Medicine for Treating Bell's Palsy: A Retrospective Chart Review." Integrative Medicine Research, vol. 9, no. 4, 2020. doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2020.100418.
Lagalla, G., et al. "Influence of Early High-Dose Steroid Treatments on Bell’s Palsy Evolution." Neurological Sciences, vol. 23, 2002, pp. 107-112.
Racic, G., et al. "Hyperbaric Oxygen as a Therapy of Bell’s Palsy." Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, vol. 24, 1997, pp. 35-38.
"Ways To Naturally Help The Symptoms Of Your Bell’s Palsy." New York Facial Paralysis, 13 Nov. 2017, www.newyorkfacialparalysis.com/blog/ways-to-naturally-help-the-symptoms-of-your-bells-palsy. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Williams, Charley. "SkinSchool: Is Facial Acupuncture the Needling Treatment to Rival Botox?" Harper's Bazaar, 14 June 2024, www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a61094004/facial-acupuncture. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Wong, Cathy. "Natural Remedies for Bell's Palsy." Verywell Health, 25 June 2022, www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-bells-palsy-88839. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.