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Brain & Nervous System

Bells Palsy Treatment: The Natural Way To Improve Symptoms


Date: 01/06/02
 
If you have ever had an anaesthetic at the dentist then you have some idea of what it might be like to suffer from Bell's Palsy - a form of paralysis that affects the facial nerve...the most potent cure for Bell's Palsy is probably sitting in your medicine kit or supplement cupboard already: humble vitamin B12...

If you have ever had an anaesthetic at the dentist then you have some idea of what it might be like to suffer from Bell's Palsy - a form of paralysis that affects the facial nerve. Speaking is difficult and showing how you feel by smiling or frowning is well nigh impossible.

Add to that the fact that you are unable to stop yourself from drooling, and your eyes from watering and you have an idea of how distressing this condition can be.

The causes of Bell's Palsy are as yet unknown - but it effects one in four thousand people. And, although it usually improves within three weeks to six months, for 10 per cent of sufferers it recurs, and a few suffer it indefinitely. Diabetics, those who have high blood pressure, and pregnant women are more likely to be affected compared to the general population.

By reducing your blood pressure and your blood sugar level you will go a long way to reducing your risk. However, if you or someone you know is suffering from this condition, it is vitally important that you act swiftly to ensure a full recovery. You can treat this form of paralysis effectively and quickly using natural remedies.

The warning headache you can't afford to ignore

Affected patients may first notice an ache over their temple that may last for a day or two. Then the muscle weakness develops. This only affects one side of the face and, unlike a stroke, it does not affect the arms or the legs. The eye on the affected side of the face cannot close fully and the mouth droops to one side.

There could be problems with enunciating words and difficulty in chewing. The symptoms are generally mild, and in some cases Bell's Palsy may not cause any appreciable changes in the facial appearance.

The dangers of conventional treatments for Bell's Palsy

Traditionally, Bell's Palsy has been treated with steroid drugs, such as prednisolone or methylprednisolone. These powerful agents reduce the inflammation of the nerve and help the muscles of the face regain their strength. Doctors may also suggest treatment with an anti-viral medication such as acyclovir, as it is believed that the nerve inflammation is actually caused by a viral infection (Acta Otorhinolaryngal 1988, 446: 114-118).

However, these drugs are not always effective. In fact, a recent major scientific review of all the information available on treatment of Bell's Palsy concluded that treatment with steroids does not seem to offer any significant benefits (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD001942).

And as Nutrition and Healing has long been aware, steroids may cause side effects such as stomach upsets, thrush, irregular periods, weight gain and depression, whereas acyclovir may cause jaundice, skin rashes, dizziness, tiredness and kidney failure.

Vitamin B12 cuts recovery time from 10 weeks to just two!

In fact, the most potent cure for Bell's Palsy is probably sitting in your medicine kit or supplement cupboard already: humble vitamin B12. This vitamin actively protects nerves, reduces nerve inflammation (Altern. Med. Rev. 1998,3(6):461-463) and reduces the amounts of nerve irritants such as the toxic chemical glutamate.

In an experiment studying 60 patients with Bell's Palsy, vitamin B12 was found to be more effective that treatment with steroids, in terms of hastening recovery of the symptoms. Patients on the vitamin B12 treatment recovered on average after two weeks, whereas those on steroids recovered after about 10 weeks (Method. Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 1995,17(8):539-544).

The dose of vitamin B12 is 500 mcg three times a week by injection. It is also possible to get vitamin B12 in 5 mg lozenges that can be taken up to eight times a day.

In addition to vitamin B12, another nutrient, acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) was found to improve the symptoms of Bell's palsy (Neurol. 1997,12(1):23-30).

This makes sense because ALC is an anti-inflammatory compound used in a variety of neurological diseases such as nerve injury, nerve weakness and memory problems. ALC reduces damage due to free radicals, preserves production of energy within the nerve cells, and stabilises the membrane of the nerve (Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2001, 939:162-178).

Other Alternative Treatments To Beat Bell's Palsy:

Anti-inflammatory nutrient, the sulphur-containing nutrient Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane (MSM), 500 mg three times a day, and histamine. Although histamine in large amounts is toxic to the body, causing allergies, small amounts are effective in reducing inflammation in general, and Bell's Palsy in particular (Ear Nose Throat J. 1999, 78(5):366-370). Histamine is not generally available in tablet form, but the nutrient carnosine that regulates the production of histamine is available in doses of 100 mg a day.

Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 (in addition to vitamin B12) (Minerva Pediatr. 1996, 48(6):245-250). All of these vitamins are particularly effective at boosting other factors that nourish the nerve. They are used in any form of nerve damage or brain failure. The dose for vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is 50 mg three times a day, that of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is 50mg three times a day, and that of B6 (Pyridoxine) is 50 mg - 100 mg three times a day, but it is best to take this only short-term, as long-term intake of high doses of vitamin B6 may potentially cause more harm than good.

The chemical Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is an essential agent involved in producing energy in the cells. Experiments using this nutrient together with the vitamins of the B group mentioned above, show that this combination can have a measurable impact on the recovery from Bell's Palsy. The results showed that 100% of those patients who had a partial paralysis of the nerve, and up to 87% of those who had full paralysis recovered completely. In contrast, only 67% of patients treated with steroids recovered (Eur. Arch. Otorin. 1991,248(3):147- 149). Boost your body's production of ATP by taking Mitochondrial Resuscitate.
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Comments

abas Posted 17/05/2008

i have this bell palsy and its still not cured after 6 months and i have been doing all of these treatments and its still not working. what shall i do??

Pierre Posted 21/05/2008

Hi, you can speed up recovery 5 times just by using B12. Read the article

Sophie Posted 03/06/2008

Well I've had it for 7 years and meds didn't work so I'm looking into micro-electric current treatments.

tony scott Posted 06/06/2008

good article

elizabeth kwanga Posted 07/06/2008

i have had bells palsy for ten years and the pain comes and goes. what can i do to be pain free?

JP Posted 07/06/2008

we have a good friend with Bell's Palsy and we will give it a try. He has had the symptoms for over a week now

MF Posted 15/06/2008

My father aged 80 has bells palsy, and 2 weeks ago he also had an infected ear on the same side. His doctor treated him with steroids (prednisone) and ear and eye drops - he's now just about 100% back to normal. I do believe very strongly in B12 and folic acid together, as well as MSM, as I have taken both for different problems.

KH Posted 16/06/2008

I had bell's palsy about 5 years ago. Up until last year I had been about 75% recovered. And most people except doctors who were familiar with it couldn't tell I had had BP. Then I had a few acupuncture sessions with electro-stimulation in 2007 and it helped me feel 90% recovered- I was amazed. I felt acupuncture with electro stimulation was the only thing that helped me after conventional western approaches had nothing left to offer. I know this is anecdotal - but I believe it worked for me. Unfortunately the BP struck again in May 2008, luckily I had it before so I am not so emotionally disturbed by it and know that recovery is possible, though slow. However this time I believe my recovery is being speeded up and here is what I am doing. In the 1st week I took prednisone, and acyclovir, and motrin and I began acupuncture. I also changed my diet and include vitamin supplements with B vitamins, warm compresses, facial massage, facial exercise, and avoiding wind/cold and sun exposure . Now I am beginning to do regular aerobic exercise and I feel as if my recovery and my symptoms in this episode are much better than in my first episode 5 years ago.

JBK Posted 17/06/2008

Hi, a good friend of mine is getting married July 5th and she suffers from Bells Palsy. About a month ago she woke up and had no movement on the left side of her face. Although there has been some improvement, I was wondering what else she could do to help in the upcoming weeks? Anymore suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Melissa P Posted 20/06/2008

I suffered from a pretty bad case of BP about 5 years ago when I was pregnant with my twin boys. I am still not fully recovered and have residuals... Anyone have any miracle cures? I'm all ears.

BAL Posted 23/06/2008

I am currently recovering from BP; it will be 6 weeks this coming Wednesday and I am at about 90% recovered. I took all supplements in this article, as well as had acupunture several times a week. The Chinese doctor doing acupuncture had me change my diet to fruits, veggies, whole grains; meditation, positive thinking, exercise. Also read The Cure by Timothy Brantley which I highly recommend. This experience has changed my life for the better since I'm getting healthier by the day and recovering so quickly -- and yes, I had full blown (not partial) BP. 1st improvement was noticed in 1 1/2-2 wks and has gotten better every week since. I work more than full time & am always busy but have reset my priorities with health now being #1. Hope this helps!

JO Posted 02/07/2008

I HAD BP 12 YEARS AGO, AND RECOVERED WELL, IT CAME BACK 19 WEEKS AGO, I'VE HAD 4 COURSES OF STEROIDS AND I'M ON MY 2ND COURSE OF ANTI VIRAL DRUGS ALONG WITH B6 STRONG. I HAVE SHINGLES AS WELL AT THE MOMENT 2ND TIME SINCE APRIL - I'M NOT A PRETTY SIGHT! I HAD FACIAL TONE LAST WEEK FOR THE 1ST TIME, WHICH HELPED LOTS BUT DROOPING CAME BACK AFTER 8 HRS, IT DID HELP THE FEELING IN MY UPPER FACE, I'M WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING!

CTB Posted 09/07/2008

In my 6th month of BP and only recently learned about the B12 injections. Does anyone have experience with the injections helping this far into the process?

RB Posted 11/07/2008

I'm into my 7th month of BP and have seen no progress since the onset. I'm beginning to lose hope.

hadi Posted 17/07/2008

hello , i'm hadi and i have bell's and it 1 week before my university enterance exam and now it's 6 month that i am not cured ! i did all of them , and i'm using hot pack for it , and i used all of vitamins and i do the special examinations ( also fisiotropy , and electric shocks ! ) but still my eye have the most problem ! i'm really anxious of it ! i don't know what can i do more ! plz help me

ali Posted 25/07/2008

first of all i want to say hi to everyone i had bells palsy about 1 year now but i didn't fully recover but i have recoved 90 percent only attending chinese acupuncture. is there a chance i might go back to normal if i use the b12 cuz i didn't use it before or is it probably too late i can close my eye fully but i can't hold air inside the mouth please guide me to the right direction

Si Posted 26/07/2008

I've had Bells Palsy twice now, the first time when I was 8 and the second time when I was 12. The first time I had it for 6 mounths, but the second time I only had it for 3 weeks. How strange?

paul breese Posted 01/08/2008

just got bp never heard of it before. i'm on anti viral and steroids but now i have read about b12 i will give it a go best of luck to everyone

isma Posted 06/08/2008

I have had the problem for 2 years. Any help please?

YT Posted 07/08/2008

I've had Bells Palsy for at least 4 years now. I've recovered 60% or so. I've done many treatments such as acupuncture. When I had bells palsy for the first time, no one realized until a few months later. I haven't recovered fully. I need advice. please help!

Laura Posted 08/08/2008

Hi Everyone, I have had BP twice now. The first time I was about 19 and fully recovered with steroid and anti-viral treatment. This time I am 29 years old, 37 weeks pregnant and in the very early stages. I am trying to stay positive but it is hard because treatment is not possible untill the baby is born. Thanks to everyone for sharing - it really does help to hear that I am not alone!

lugonwa Posted 14/08/2008

i have had the bp for the last 32 yrs any help and advise

YT Posted 18/08/2008

Please help! Suffering here, especially at school as many people tease :(

Sabzy Posted 19/08/2008

My husband had BP 3 weeks ago and now has recovered 80%. This is all due to eating Pigeon Meat - no joke this seriously works. We were advised of this by many people from the South Asia region where BP is common. Pigeon meat is rich and hot and this really does help - I cannot emphasize this enough. Facial Massage with olive oil also helped and hot towels.

Jenny  Posted 22/08/2008

Hi everyone, this is my 2nd time around, although this one they say is Ramsay Hunt; only difference I have noticed between this and BP is the pain in my ear. I got on to this straight away as initially I thought I was having a stroke. Hospital prescribed Prednisolone and asked my GP for Zovirax just in case. The biggest relief I found was when I started using Vitamin B12 - I doubled the usual dose, and after this I added vitamin Zinc + B6 Magnesium. I have used hot wheat packs to ease the pain and gently massaged my face (not to often with the massaging). I'm almost back to normal and it's now just over two weeks - I will take another 2 days off from work and then I think I'm ready to resume with a 3/4 smile possible and double winks - I'm a receptionist so speech and looks are important. Good luck all. Jenny

Charles Posted 24/08/2008

This is my 2nd bout with this annoying disease. The 1st time was in 1997, wasn't all that bad then. I think this time is a little worse. Will try the b12 and hope and pray that it works. nice to know that I'm not alone. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

allen Posted 25/08/2008

Please help me - I'm suffering from bells palsy for less than a week now. May I know what the home remedies for bells palsy are or is there any food to avoid in order be healed easier?

alisa Posted 25/08/2008

My 9 year old daughter has bp this is her 7th week and it seems to be getting worse. The doctors did not give any meds and will not!! I don't know what else to do. Can I give her all these vitimans? Any one have any ideas?????

jason Posted 30/08/2008

Try to raise the temp. in your bedroom.Make sure that cold air is not blowing on you when you sleep.Cold air can be a cause for this condition, and may slow recovery.I am trying to recover now, and I only hope this helps someone.Good luck to everyone.

Julie Posted 31/08/2008

It broke my heart to see the 9-year old girl's suffering. I'm not sure if my experience helps. I've had BP for 3 weeks now. During the first 2 weeks I took Anti-viro and some other vitamins with daily acupuncture treatment. However the acupuncture doctor was not experienced and after 8 intensive treatment nothing happened. Starting from week three I found another acupuncture doctor with much more experience who taught me to take Vitamin B12. He also did deep facial massage for about 30 minute with each visit. Now by the end of the 3rd week (treatment every other day) I can already see muscle movement on my right face. My right face looks relaxed and my mouth looks much better than just a week ago. I am looking and feeling better each day - I can close my right eye 90% and can finally manage a smile without feeling too sad. My experience is: find the right doctor who combines deep facial massage with acupuncture; meanwhile take Vitamin B12 daily (take 2-3 times usual dosage).

Joan Posted 31/08/2008

I believe after having bp twice that it is caused by a draught playing on the side of the face.Iwent out with damp hair sat in a car with the window slightly open and awoke next morning with bp,a friend of mine went on to get bp and said the same.now i have mucus continually sitting in my throat and causing a cough because of damage to nerves can anyone help with this please.?My bp was 10 years apart but damage was more severe second time around[painful]

J. Y. Posted 08/09/2008

Hi all, do not give up. Here's a super good site you may want to check out: http://www.bellspalsy.ws/exercise.htm Everything you need to know is stated there. I'm doing my facial exercise daily, as well as, taking V B12 and acupuncture 2-3 times a week. Looking good every day (not even a month yet). Cheer up and good luck!

LAT Posted 14/09/2008

How do you get the B12 injection? do you just go to the GP and ask for it?

matt Posted 25/09/2008

You guys think you got it bad I've had it my whole life and it just gets worse every year and it will never go away

Dee Posted 26/09/2008

BP I had it 3 times, 15 years apart, the last one in July/09. When I first had it I tried steroids but did not work and after 6 long months with the condition I become aware of ultra violet light as well as vitamin B12 (injections), I set in front of the U.V.light lamp for 5 minutes the first day, 6 minutes the 2nd up to 10minuts on the 10th day, I could feel the muscle on the effected side slowly regaining its movements and soon I was cured. the 2nd time and the one I had last July I was not able to find the U.V.light lamp so prednisone was needed for 1 week. After I went to a naturapath who gave me BP drops which he made it and vitamin B12 to put under the tongue and most of all stay away from cold draughts on your face. I am now 95% recovered.Do not give up!

nairi Posted 30/09/2008

plz i realy need to know if i have this BP the left side of my face is nor totally frozen but kinda pressed and numb my ear hole became smaller and my eybrow's shape is being changed i have jaw pain sometimes and i always have headahk i can nor look up and when i try to look up my left eye gets tired and after 2 minutes it drops plzzzz give me an ideaa what is this i am getting crazy

AL Posted 01/10/2008

I had BP like 6 years ago and recovered from it slowly. I got all movement back in like 6 months, but Its been six years and I was left with the affects that you have after BP, like when you smile my eye closes more on the affected side..does anyone have this annoying problem as well? Or is there anyone out there that knows of any cure of doctor or medicine..Im desperate!!! Please Help!!!!

Rob Posted 01/10/2008

I'm only about 1 week into BP for the 1st time. BUMMED!!!!! The eye is the worst part. Just wish I could close it. I'm trying the B complex vitamins but I wonder why my Doc never put me on Anti Viral meds. I may have to check on that when I see him this week.

A.Maheshwaran Posted 04/10/2008

My age is 27, I had a bell's palsy problem. Can i have a sex with my wife?Ican i take take any sex tablets? if i want? please send me answer

Margarita Posted 09/10/2008

I have bp, today is my 3 week, and I have been reading all this comments, and I'm glad to did it, because I was very afraid, I never heard about it before. I just want to say I'm agree with the cause could be draught playing on the side of the face, I feel the first symptom after got out a store during 2 hrs there, I suppose my eyes already tired, and the parking lot had a very good breeze, when I got home I tried to wash my face, and my eye didn't respond to close. Oh! all I can say this is a very disappointing condition. Good look to every body.



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