Bell's Palsy Treatment in Fresno, CA

Bell’s Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis that causes one side of the face to droop, often resembling the symptoms of a stroke. While the sudden onset can be alarming, the good news is that Bell’s Palsy is not life-threatening and is unrelated to stroke activity. With prompt evaluation and proper treatment, most patients experience significant improvement and often full recovery.

At ENT Associates of Fresno, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for Bell’s Palsy for patients across Fresno and surrounding Central Valley communities. Our experienced ENT specialists are here to help reduce symptoms, restore facial movement, and ensure you receive the care you need as quickly as possible.

If you’re experiencing sudden facial drooping or weakness, don’t wait—call our office today to schedule an appointment and get answers fast.

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What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is caused by some sort of damage or trauma to the facial nerves. This causes the function of the nerve to be disrupted, resulting in an interruption in signals from the brain to the facial muscles. Without these signals, the muscles of the face become weak or paralyzed, which causes a drooping appearance.

What are the Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?

Facial nerves can become damaged at any point in time, which means that symptoms of Bell’s Palsy usually come on suddenly. These symptoms can include:

  • Varying degrees of weakness or total paralysis on one side of the face
  • Facial droop, which causes difficulty in movement of the affected eye or side of the mouth
  • Drooling
  • Inhibited sense of taste
  • Pain in jaw or behind ear of the affected side
  • Fluctuation in the amount of tears or saliva produced
  • Headache
  • Increased sensitivity to sound of the affected ear

In more rare instances, Bell’s Palsy has been known to affect both sides of the face.

Risk Factors

Bell’s Palsy can appear in anyone of any age, but there are certain risk factors associated with the condition such as individuals that are:

  • Pregnant, specifically those in their third trimester or those that have recently given birth
  • Currently suffering from an upper respiratory infection
  • Diabetic

Treatment Options Available

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience any type of facial paralysis, as this may be clear signs of a stroke.

Bell’s Palsy affects each individual differently, so specific treatment may vary from patient to patient. While medications are often used as part of the treatment, in certain circumstances, surgical removal of the bone around the nerve (decompression surgery) may be appropriate.

More From ENT Associates of Fresno

Because of their extensive training and experience in the management of facial nerve disorders, otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons) are the most qualified physicians to perform an in-depth evaluation of abnormal movement or paralysis of the face.

Address your concerns of Bell’s Palsy with one of the exceptional otolaryngologists of ENT Associates of Fresno. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (559) 272-0537 today!