Bell's Palsy Treatment in Hyderabad
Waking up with one side of your face not moving is frightening. Bell's Palsy is treatable — and the earlier you start treatment, the better the recovery.
Bell's Palsy is sudden, one-sided facial weakness or paralysis caused by inflammation of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve). It affects approximately 25 per 100,000 people in India each year. Most patients make a full recovery — especially when treated promptly with corticosteroids within 72 hours of onset. The critical first step is ruling out stroke, as sudden facial weakness can be a stroke sign and requires immediate distinction.
Key Points
- Bell's palsy is sudden facial weakness on one side — NOT a stroke, but it requires urgent evaluation.
- Steroids (prednisolone) started within 72 hours of onset dramatically improve recovery rate.
- 80-85% of Bell's palsy patients recover completely within 3-6 months.
- Eye protection (lubricating drops, eye patch at night) is essential as the eye may not close fully.
- EMG/NCS at 2-3 weeks helps predict recovery and guides rehabilitation.
80%
full recovery with early steroid treatment
Source: Cochrane Review
72 hrs
treatment window for best outcomes
Source: AAN Guidelines
Bell's Palsy Symptoms — What to Expect
Sudden Facial Weakness on One Side
Drooping of one side of the face — drooping corner of the mouth, inability to close the eye, inability to raise the eyebrow on the affected side.
Inability to Close the Eye
The most important physical sign — the eye on the affected side cannot close completely. Without treatment, corneal exposure can lead to serious eye damage.
Drooling and Eating Difficulty
Food and liquid can dribble from the corner of the mouth on the affected side. Eating and drinking become awkward and embarrassing.
Taste Changes and Ear Pain
Altered taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue, ear pain or aching behind the ear on the affected side, and occasionally sounds seeming louder on the affected side (hyperacusis).
Rapid Onset
Bell's Palsy typically reaches full severity within 48–72 hours of onset — distinguishing it from gradually worsening causes of facial weakness. Onset is often noticed on waking in the morning.
Bell's Palsy Treatment at Sri Anand Hospital
Oral Corticosteroids — Start Within 72 Hours
Prednisolone (50–60 mg daily for 10 days) improves the chance of complete recovery when started within 72 hours of symptom onset. This is NICE and AAN guideline-recommended.
Eye Protection — Critical Step
Eye drops (artificial tears) during the day and eye ointment at night, with taping of the eye shut during sleep, prevent corneal damage in patients who cannot close their eye.
Facial Physiotherapy
Dr. Harisha provides facial exercise therapy — gentle massage, nerve stimulation exercises, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation — to promote nerve recovery and prevent contracture.
EMG/NCS for Severe Cases
In severe Bell's Palsy or cases not recovering as expected, electrophysiological testing (EMG/NCS) helps predict recovery and guides further management.
Follow-Up at 4 and 12 Weeks
We review at 4 weeks to assess recovery. 85% of patients begin improving within 3 weeks. Incomplete recovery at 3–4 months warrants further evaluation for rare alternative diagnoses.
Why Choose Sri Anand Hospital?
Treated by: Dr. Anand Karnam · DrNB (Neurology) · Facial Palsy Specialist
"Bell's palsy is one of those diagnoses that terrifies the patient but actually carries a very good prognosis. The key is to start steroids immediately — within the first 72 hours — and to protect the eye carefully. Most of my patients recover fully."
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Sri Anand Child & Neuro Hospital · Open 24/7 · Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad