One-sided facial paralysis of sudden onset and unknown cause. The mechanism is presumed to involve swelling of the nerve due to immune or viral disease, with ischemia and compression of the facial nerve in the narrow confines of its course through the temporal bone.

	Bell's Palsy The Condition "Bell's Palsy (BP) is the most common cause of facial paralysis worldwide..." Relationship to Stroke "A facial paralysis that has resulted from a stroke is sometimes misdiagnosed as Bell's palsy..." Relationship to Lyme Disease "Bell's Palsy has been known to be both an early and late symptom of Lyme Disease..." Recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin) "74 consecutive Bell's palsy patients were treated with niacin at a dose of 100-250mg with "excellent results" noted in all patients within 2 to 4 weeks..." Recommendation Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) "Methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, was compared with steroids in a trial involving 60 patients with Bell's palsy..." Recommendation MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) "MSM, an organic form of sulfur, is reported to be of benefit in reducing pain associated with Bell's Palsy..." Recommendation Conventional Drug Use "...The "window of opportunity" for starting these medications is thought to be 7 days from the onset of Bell's palsy..." Infectious Mononucleosis - Mono The Condition "...Possible complications include ... Neurological complications (rare) - seizures, ataxia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Bell's palsy..." Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) As A Treatment "...When vitamin B12 is being used for its pharmacological effects, as in the treatment of fatigue, Bell's palsy, diabetic neuropathy, subdeltoid bursitis, or asthma, intramuscular injections appear to be preferable to oral administration..." Vitamin B3 (Niacin) As A Treatment "...In addition, some neurologic problems, such as Bell's palsy and trigeminal neuralgia, have been helped by niacin supplementation..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007