#Facial Palsy"

[pandemonium-chlgown99]

Facial Paralysis and Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Understanding Facial Palsy and Its Symptoms Hello. It is a phenomenon that can appear to anyone living in modern society, and factors such as stress, overwork, and chronic fatigue can accumulate and cause facial paralysis. Facial nerve palsy, in which the virus invades the facial nerve and causes paralysis, is also deeply related to immunity. Regardless of age, symptoms can appear suddenly when…

[mediaevalmusereads]

My Friend Dahmer. By Derf Backderf. New York: Abrams ComicArts, 2012.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Genre: memoir, graphic novel

Part of a Series? No

Summary: In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer — the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper — seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Derf Backderf, “Jeff” was a much more complex figure: a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways, and car rides. In My Friend Dahmer, a haunting and original graphic novel, writer-artist Backderf creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche — a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a goofball who never quite fit in with his classmates. With profound insight, what emerges is a Jeffrey Dahmer that few ever really knew, and one readers will never forget.

***Full review under the cut.***

Content Warnings: ableism, allusions to animal harm/death, implication of murder

Overview: This graphic novel/memoir has been on my radar for a while, but I only recently picked it up for reasons I can’t quite articulate. I’m not sure what I was expecting - thrilling tale of teen psychosis, the makings of a depraved murderer, I don’t know. Perhaps my lack of concrete expectations served me well, since what I found in Backderf’s book was a sympathetic look at Jeffrey Dahmer as a teenager and all the warning signs that were ignored by the adults around him. In a way, it was a heartbreaking read. I don’t think Backderf was trying to excuse Dahmer’s crimes by showing that he only did it because he had a rough life. Rather, I think Backderf was trying to reconcile the “serial killer” Dahmer with the kid he actually knew in real life. For that, I’m giving this book 4 stars.

Writing/Art: Backderf’s art style is fairly “cartoony” in that it doesn’t try to have accurate proportions or imitate reality. Certain facial (or any anatomical) features are exaggerated and there’s a lot of heavy linework, which doesn’t quite communicate “horror” as one might expect about a tale about Jeffrey Dahmer. In a way, I think this works for the story Backderf is trying to tell: it almost seems absurd and grotesque that nothing was done to help Dahmer as a kid, and the art style embeds these feelings in the shapes and linework. One might also argue that the style almost seems juvenile (though it isn’t) and that quality enhances the fact that this story is being told through the eyes of a teenager.

Personally, though, Backderf’s style has never really been my aesthetic of choice, but that’s my personal preference and not a knock against the author/artist. If it works for you, that’s great.

In terms of narration, I liked that Backderf was honest about his impressions of Dahmer. At no point did he claim that he “always knew something was wrong about him,” nor did he seem to play up the proto-serial killer vibes. Instead, Backderf uses subtler, unsettling feelings that show something was “off” but not so “off” that they could have been expected to report Dahmer to the police or something. In a way, it’s fairly truthful and shows how sometimes, you can get a vibe off someone, but not really know what’s going on with them. It also reassured me that Backderf was writing not to somehow leech fame off of Dahmer (for whatever reason) but to work out his own emotions.

Plot: This graphic novel is divided into five parts, plus a prologue and epilogue, that each focus on certain aspects of Dahmer’s life. Part One establishes the setting and Dahmer’s home life; Part Two portrays Dahmer’s alcoholism and the rise of his darker urges, which he desperately tried to control; Part Three is about Dahmer’s relationship with Backderf and their antics at school; Part Four is about how the end of high school was a breaking point for Dahmer; and Part Five is a reflection on how Backderf and his friends left Dahmer behind and how that isolation allowed him to start killing.

I think the organization of these memories into separate sections worked well. Though they followed a loose chronology, I felt like each section had a theme or goal so that Dahmer’s story felt like it was progressing rather than just existing all at once. I appreciated the sympathetic lens that Backderf uses to tell his story; multiple times throughout the novel, he questions where the adults were and how it was easier to not make a fuss. I think, in doing this, Backderf communicates the difference in culture in the 1970s and avoids portraying himself and the literal kids around him as responsible for not stopping Dahmer.

The only thing that I think could have made this story a bit more “real” and grounded for me would be if Backderf had used more of Dahmer’s own words from interviews. To his credit, Backderf quotes Dahmer in a few places, such as the epilogue and at the beginning of Part One, but I think I would have liked to see Dahmer’s voice more often, or at least Backderf’s reactions to Dahmer’s voice more often. Backderf says in his author’s notes that his portrayal of Dahmer is constructed from his own memories and the memories of others who knew him, as well as from transcripts and recordings of interviews with Dahmer, but I wonder if more of Dahmer’s own voice could have been woven into the panels. To be fair, though, this book isn’t trying to illustrate Dahmer’s life from Dahmer’s point of view; it’s specifically a memoir about Backderf’s perception and relationship with him. But it would have been interesting, I think, to see if there was a disjoint between what Dahmer said about himself and what Backderf saw as a kid.

Characters: I hesitate to analyze the figures in this book as “characters” because they’re all real people. I don’t have the knowledge to determine if Backderf is “accurate” in his portrayal or not, but that wouldn’t be productive anyway, since the point of this book is to offer a perspective rather than an objective account.

Instead, I’ll use this space to communicate how certain figures come across to me as a reader. Dahmer is incredibly sympathetic, to an extent. Backderf does a good job of making him feel like an outcast and a loner at some moments and something of a lolcow at others, which seems consistent with accounts that state that Dahmer seemed to have friends but was actually very isolated. From these moments, I got the sense that Dahmer was suffering; rather than taking joy in his “perverse” urges, it felt like he did everything he could to suppress them until the only thing that kept him in check (high school social life) disappeared. As a whole, then, it seems like Dahmer was a kid in desperate need of help, but he didn’t live in a culture that could really do so. If that was Backderf’s goal, then he achieved it.

However, I do think Backderf toes a little too close to the line of portraying Dahmer as wholly sympathetic. To be fair, it’s a hard balance to strike - you want to condemn Dahmer’s later actions, but you also want to sympathize with the kid he was at the time before he started his killing spree. To address this, it might have been interesting to flash back and forth between Backderf’s high school memories and his impressions or emotions when learning about Dahmer’s crimes or arrest/trial, but I’m not sure if that would have been in line with what Backderf was trying to do. So, it’s just an idea.

Backderf and his friends come across as a little insensitive, but not in a malicious way. They never really clicked with Dahmer or considered him a friend, merely someone they occasionally hung out with and used for pranks (as in, they got Dahmer to pull pranks and laughed at his antics, they didn’t pull pranks on him). I don’t think I can fault Backderf for that - people aren’t obligated to connect with everyone, nor do I think its fair to ask why Backderf and his friends didn’t do anything. I did get the sense that there was some regret in Backderf’s account, perhaps some shame at the more tasteless things that passed as fun in the 1970s (making fun of people with cerebral palsy, doing a Hitler skit for the school variety show, etc. - some of this behavior is addressed in author’s notes). But I do think he communicated the divide between the world of teenagers and the world of adults, and how that kind of environment affected him and Dahmer differently.

TL;DR: My Friend Dahmer is a sympathetic account of Jeffrey Dahmer’s early life, told through the eyes of someone who knew him. Rather than thrilling readers with a proto-serial killer narrative, Backderf communicates how the environment of the 1970s prevented Dahmer from getting help, thereby showing how easy it was to miss the “warning signs.”

[th3rah]

If you're in a position to, please consider donating to my dear friends, Gage (@telepathy-wave) & Katherina! They've been really going through some hardships. I'll post the description down below. Any little bit helps, even if it's just a signal boost!! Thank you so so much! 🖤

[On January 10th, 2021, I was suddenly diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition which paralyzes the nerves of the face and causes symptoms similar to that of a stroke in the face (facial drooping, eyelids drooping, causing dry-eye, and a lack of taste, among others.) Due to these symptoms, on the 19th of January, 2021, I requested a medical leave of absence from work, which was to be paid in the same way and with the same frequency as normal pay from my job (more on this later.)

During this time, while dealing with my own medical problems, our Veterinarian discovered and  advised us that my elderly eat, Piper (11) may have a series of health problems. which could include: Hyperthyroidism, Kidney Failure, or perhaps in a worst case scenario, cancer. She's been acting not herself, lately. Hiding, pulling her fur out, biting herself, among other things. Recently, we got her a heating pad and put it on a desk near the TV and that's where she stays for days on end, only moving to use the box or to eat, sometimes not even that. She's my best friend, and it scares me more each day.

Then, on February 2nd, Katherina gets hit in a car wreck not even 40 yards from our house. Both parties walked away without any physical damage except a few bumps and bruises, but her car wasn't so lucky. Her insurance company decided to total it, leaving Katherina without a car and an even worse fear of driving. Those of you that know her, likely already know her adversity to getting behind the wheel, and this only strengthens that. Aside from that, she has a deductible that neither of us were prepared for, and her insurance will be going up by an amount not specified as of writing this, and the added burden of needing to find and buy a new car.

This past week, I got a notification from my virtual chart from my hospital visit due to Bell's and found out that I have a bill for treatment that I owe totaling just shy of Three Thousand Dollars, most of which is caused by tests the hospital ran on me that, I feel, were totally unnecessary. The doctor I spoke to did everything but diagnose me with Bell's Palsy within the first 30 minutes of my ER arrival, and yet I was still admitted, had a needle jammed in my arm with nothing attached to it for an additional Hour and a Half of my admittance, and a CT scan which, and I quote, "Came Back Perfectly Fine."  and only then did he finally diagnose me.

Finally, and perhaps the most crippling (financially) was the process of my Leave of Absence. Just a few days after I began my Leave of Absence (which began on 01/19/21 and was scheduled to end 02/19/21) I was emailed an application form to give to my doctor to fill out and then send to my jobs HR department so that I could formally begin my leave of absence, but to also be paid in accordance to my jobs Short-Term Disability  policy. I gave the papers to the office and trusted them to follow the instructions on the paper. When I received word from my HR Case Worker, it was revealed to me that the paperwork was filled out from 01/19 to 01/25 and that I needed to get another application filled in order to keep receiving disability payments. So I went back, gave even clearer instructions, and have been waiting for a call of confirmation that the paperwork has been received and I can begin receiving the pay I wasn't able to receive due to problems out of my control. Because of a clerical error, instead of receiving my full pay, I will be paid just short of $20 on Friday, as you can see from the image.

2021 has proven itself to be an absolute horror of a year so far, hitting Katherina and I harder than even 2020 did. We're tired, and we're scared. If you're able to help, you have our unequivocated appreciation. You are truly saving us, whether you know it or not.

But with that, please also note that donations of any kind aren't required. Please don't donate a single cent if you aren't in a position to. We appreciate the support more than anything, and if you can't donate but still wish to help; simply share this fundraiser.

It's taking a lot from both of us to even ask for help to begin with, and we absolutely do not want to take money from people who may be facing similar, or perhaps even worse challenges.

In any case, thank you. So, so very much. Your help will not go unnoticed.

Sincerely,

Gage and Katherina]

[lupine-publishers-sjo]

Lupine Publishers | A Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Cyst Presenting as Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Report

Lupine Publishers | Journal of Otolaryngology 

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is the one of the most painful condition known to mankind, so much so that it has described as suicide illness. The diagnosis of Trigeminal neuralgia is clinically plausible due to its specific characteristics. Differentiating Classical form secondary Trigeminal neuralgia requires further evaluation with either a CT or MRI. A correct diagnosis is crucial, as patients can then follow a generally acknowledged treatment modality of either Medication or surgery. The aim of this article is to present a case of Trigeminal Neuralgia secondary to Cerebellopontine angle Epidermoid cyst in an elderly female patient. She had to be maintained with medicines alone as she was skeptical of undergoing brain surgery. This report also portrays that secondary trigeminal neuralgia can be managed long term with carbamazepine without major adverse effects.

Keywords: Epidermoid Cyst; Cerebellopontine Angle; Trigeminal Neuralgia

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia is the one of the most painful condition known to mankind, so much so that it has described as suicide illness [1]. The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is clinically plausible due to its specific characteristics. According to leading researcher of trigeminal neuralgia, Prof. Joanna Zakrzewska’s, it is one of the few chronic pain conditions in which sufferers can be rendered pain-free either with medications or surgery [2]. Therefore, correct diagnosis is crucial, as patients can then follow a generally acknowledged treatment modality. The aim of this article is to present a case of Trigeminal Neuralgia secondary to Cerebellopontine angle Epidermoid cyst in an elderly female patient, who has refused undergoing surgery and had to be maintained with medicines alone. This also portrays that secondary trigeminal neuralgia can be managed long term with carbamezapine without major adverse effects.

Case Report

A 50-year-old female patient presented to the department of oral medicine and radiology, at Century dental college with complaint of excruciating pain in the lower right side of the face for one year. The pain was sudden in onset, sharp shooting in nature and lasted only for a few seconds. The episodes were frequent and occurred many times in a day. She had sought treatment at various dental clinic during which time most of her teeth on the right side were extracted (Figure 1). She had applied a skin oil for pain intraorally two days back which had resulted in chemical burn. Her medical history was significant, that she was under treatment for epilepsy and suffered with herpes zoster and was treated with acyclovir 800mg for 7 days. She was conscious and cooperative, of short stature and moderately nourished. There was pallor of the skin and inferior palpebra. Intraorally, pallor was noticeable on the buccal mucosa, erosion was detected on the lower right alveolar ridge region in relation to the missing premolars. The upper and lower arches were partially edentulous. Trigger zone was elicited at the right lower border of the mandible. A provisional diagnosis of Trigeminal neuralgia was made. CT scan of the brain showed a heterogenous lesion with cystic areas and calcification in right Cerbello Pontine angle extending to the medial aspect of temporal lobe. There is compression and rotation of brain stem to the left. An impression of CP angle neoplasm was given on CT (Figure 2).

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

MRI of the brain revealed a lesion of size 15X33X30mm involving the right CP angle cistern, which appeared hypointense in T1 (Figure 3a) and hyperintense in T2 image. It was causing compression of pons and lower midbrain. The 3rd and 6th cranial nerves were compressed and encased by the lesion with displacement towards left. 7th and 8th cranial nerves were closely abutted (Figure 3b). MR study was suggestive of epidermoid cyst involving right basal cistern and CP angle cistern. Based on these findings, diagnosis of Trigeminal neuralgia secondary to epidermoid cyst located at right cerebella pontine cistern was made. Patient was prescribed carbamezapine 200mg twice daily gradually increased to 400mg tid. She was referred to neurologist who advised surgery for the brain lesion. Patient and her family members were very apprehensive about surgery and did not want to proceed with surgery. She has been on medication for the past 2 years and the dose of carbamezapine was reduced to 100mg twice daily. Regular blood test has been done to check for myelosuppression. There was a single episode of unbearable pain, for which inferior alveolar nerve block was given to arrest the pain. Long term treatment follows up of the patient can be described as favorable as she has been able to carry on normal routine with only few occasional episodes of severe pain.

Figure 3a: Shows a transverse fracture of petrous bone crossing the turns of vestibule.

Figure 3b: Another case of transverse fracture. A Transverse fracture of petrous bone is seen reaching horizontal semi-circular canal and causing hemotympanum.

Discussion

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain with distinct diagnostic criteria. The IASP definition of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is “sudden, usually unilateral, severe, brief, stabbing, recurrent episodes of pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve.” Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition [2]. The peak incidence is in the age group of 50 – 60 with preponderance in women [3]. However, some Japanese and Chinese reports have quoted a male predominance in those above 80 years of age [4]. It is a condition that has been recognized many centuries ago, The French terminology Tic douloureux was coined by surgeon Nicolaus Andre [5]. There are two recognized forms of TgN, Classical and Secondary or Symptomatic which is related either to central nervous system lesion or multiple sclerosis [4]. There is also Atypical form which does not have clearly definable features and symptoms may overlap that of atypical facial pain. This has been described as atypical trigeminal neuralgia4. The aetiology of the condition is still unclear5. Most researchers suggest that root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal ganglion to be site of generation of pain. Compression of the REZ by blood vessels or tumors and demyelination are the most common abnormality found in this area. This leads to hyperexcitability and central sensitization [2,4,5].

Trigeminal neuralgia is a clinical diagnosis. The characteristic features being

a) Paroxysmal (abrupt onset and termination) attacks of pain lasting for a few seconds to few minutes

b) It involves one or more division of trigeminal nerve, unilaterally.

c) Character is described as sharp, shooting, stabbing or burning.

d) Severe intensity.

e) Presence of Trigger zones (stimulus evoked: palpation by routine activity such as touching, washing the face, brushing teeth) intensifies pain usually found around the nose or mouth.

f) Presence of refractory period.

The two accepted modalities for treatment are medical and surgical.

Medical Management

Gold standard for medical treatment is response of the condition to Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is a tricyclic imipramine first synthesized in 1961 and introduced for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by Blom [5,6]. It is usually started at 200mg per day single dosing and gradually increased to up to 800mg i.e. four divided doses of 200mg each. The most common side effect is hypersensitivity (5 – 10 % of the patient), folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia6. Drug interaction with warfarin has also been reported. Oxycarbazepine, is a daughter drug and has fewer side effects. A 300mg is equipotent to 200mg of carbamazepine. The improved safety profile makes it a better option to use. Lamotrigine, Gabapentin and Baclofen are other second-line drugs that could be prescribed [2,5,7].

Surgical Procedures

Various surgical procedures have been conducted and they can be briefly classified into

a) Peripheral surgery such as Neurectomies, Cryotherapy, Laser, Radiofrequency Thermo-Rhizotomy and Injections with Streptomycin, Alcohol, Glycerol and Phenol. Analgesic blocking of peripheral receptors also arrests pain. This effect is also diagnostic [8].

b) Surgery at Gasserion Ganglion: Percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy /thermocoagulation and Percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis. These procedures are less invasive and are associated with low rates of mortality and morbidity. However, they are associated with anesthesia dolorosa, facial numbness and dysesthesia [8].

c) Surgery at the REZ: Microvascular decompression is one of the most successful procedures, providing relief for 70% of patients for up to 10 years. It is a nondestructive procedure. This procedure involves major neurosurgery and is therefore not suitable for all patients; it carries a mortality rate of 0.5% and a 2% risk of hearing loss [9]. Gamma knife surgery is a noninvasive radiosurgery [8].

All forms of surgery have potential for complications with sensory loss being the most common one. Recurrence of pain within 1- 4 years occurs with most of the procedures. The reported range for TN due to tumors is 0.8%-11.6% [10]. Tumors leading to TN are mostly benign and typically compress the root near its entry into the pons. Epidermoid tumors are slow growing, and symptoms also appear later in the course, it is also referred to as Cholesteatoma [11]. Patients usually present in 4- 5th decade of life Hearing loss is the most common presenting sign followed by trigeminal neuralgia. Other neurological deficits include facial paresis, hearing disturbances and third and sixth nerve palsy. It has been suggested that if pain occurs bilaterally or there is simultaneous involvement with other nerve trunk then a systemic involvement or expanding tumor has to be suspected [12]. Pathogenesis of TgN in epidermoid is uncertain, however it has been attributed to either direct compression or displacement of the nerve at REZ. It has been reported that neuralgia due to epidermoid tumors are clinically indistinguishable to classical TgN. However, the age of onset in this condition is earlier than the Classical TgN [12]. In this case the symptoms started at the age of 49 years and were confined to mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve only, it remained rather consistent with only sporadic flareup. This may be attributed to the medical treatment (carbamzepine).

On CT scans they are homogenous density of an epidermoid cyst enables it to be distinguished from other tumors [12]. In MRI they have lamellated or onion skin appearance. They have low or intermediate intensity in T 1 weighted images and high intensity in T2 weighted images13. MRI is the preferred imaging modality to visualize the anatomic landmarks around the trigeminal ganglion and the CP angle as it gives the best soft-tissue resolution and excellent visualization of the intracranial and extracranial course of the nerve [12,13]. They have to be differentiated from Schwannomas, meningiomas or chondromas by signal intensity criteria [13]. Surgically the cyst appears as white and pearly with encasement or compression of the trigeminal nerve. Optimum treatment is radical removal of the complete tumor [14]. This is problematic in most cases as it has wide extension and firm adhesion to neurovascular structures. To minimize neurologic deficits a part of the tumor is left behind. Other complications that are reported are meningitis, cerebellar and brain stem infarction. The possible REZ arterial compression is treated with an additional Microvascular decompression. 0 -30% estimated recurrence rate have been reported in long follow up studies [14]. One of the main aspects regarding trigeminal neuralgia as highlighted by Drangsholt and Truelove is the diagnosis of this condition [15]. Majority of patients attending the clinic have previously been misdiagnosed and had undergone irreversible dental treatment, even when they had presented with classical features of TN, as in this case.

Conclusion

William Osler once said, “Listen to the patient: he is telling you the diagnosis.” There are no objective diagnostic tests for idiopathic TNA. As a part of the diagnostic work-up, patients should have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computed tomography scan to rule out secondary TN. If detected, these lesions are best treated surgically. although surgical procedures do carry risk of significant morbidity. However, convincing the patients regarding surgical treatment may be difficult as in this case report. Patients should be treated with carbamezapine as a first line therapy, followed by addition of other agents if patients become unresponsive. The patients must be followed up for long term for any adverse effects.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not for profit sectors.

For more Otolaryngology Journals please click on below link https://lupinepublishers.com/otolaryngology-journal/

[healthinurhand]

Hii everyone 🙋NAMASTE🙏🙏 Today's subject is facial . . . Paralysis or Bells-palsy. For that we provide understanding,Anatomy,Relief Exercise,Food to Avoid & Appropiate Diet.Who suffer from this problem if you follow it ll gives you Relief from this. . 🙏If you feel anybody need this help kindly Share to them. . . . If You Like Our Post Please 💐Follow Like❤️&Share it. . Thank you for joining 🙏🙏🙏 . . Ask ur question anything about ur life,relationships,health,meditation,yoga . . .We are with you for Guidance,& help anytime. . . .Our Languages list are. English,Hindi,Bengali. (Others coming soon) . 💻Mail us- healthinyourhand000@gmail.com . . . #yogaforstreangth#quotes#possitivity#bellspalsy#facialexercises #paralysis#facialparalysis #health#energyboster#rejuvinatio#pranayam#minddiet#healing#naturalpainrelief#dietforballspalsey#inflamatoryfoods#diet #kolkata#yogapose#yogasana #health#austrelia #energydiet# (at India) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2L-D7GAEVQ/?igshid=1ox67pn3k89bo

[mybellanalove27]

To quote my favorite Fab 5 member @jvn ”You are a strong ass bitch gurl”. For the past three weeks I’ve been dealing with Bell’s palsy which is facial paralysis at times painful. I haven’t told anyone because of how embarrassed I was and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster but we all go through struggles and we always feel stronger when we overcome them. My face isn’t 💯 just yet but I’m learning to take this as an opportunity to look at the direction of my life and how I deal with stress and learning to be more grateful for what I have. I’m so thankful for the people in my life that have always been there for me in all my good and bad times and for my roommates, friends, family, co workers for dealing with my moody booty these past few days😂 There’s always a lesson to be learned in the struggles we overcome. The comeback is always stronger than the setback.❤️✌🏽GET IT HENNY! (at Mira Mesa, San Diego) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnSBhFYFDIZ6VEVpTaZbD6b7Z37n4pSngIc8o40/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lhy2u29j4lhv

[subluxationskill]

Facial Nerve, Bell’s Palsy and Blair Upper Cervical Care

New Post has been published on https://drdrewhall.com/facial-nerve-bells-palsy-and-blair-upper-cervical-care/

Facial Nerve, Bell’s Palsy and Blair Upper Cervical Care

Recently our Los Angeles Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic offices have seen several Bell’s palsy cases come in for care. Our offices prides itself on helping chronically sick individuals who have been searching for answers many times for months or years before they set foot in our office. In this article we would like to discuss the neuro anatomy of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) and how bell’s palsy presents, and what you can do to naturally heal it. Later in the article we will discuss a little-known procedure called Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic and how this natural procedure is helping people with bell’s palsy and other chronic health problems recover naturally.

Bell’s Palsy and the Seventh Cranial Nerve

Bell’s palsy is a condition in which the 7th cranial nerve malfunctions dues to a host of possible causes. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. There are three branches that control facial expression each emanating from the main nerve trunk that exits the brains stem at the pons medulla junction. The nerve is also responsible for blinking, anterior 1/3 of the tongue’s tasting ability, salivary glandular function, and the glands that produce fluid for the eyeball. It also is responsible for controlling a muscle in the inner ear called the stapedius.

Bell’s Palsy And Neck Trauma | Upper Cervical Chiropractic Los Angeles | Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Bell’s Palsy Onset

Bells Palsy onset is usually sudden. Although it can be accompanied by increased sensitivity to sound before the main symptoms set in. Generally, bell’s palsy starts by causing facial paralysis. One side of the face droops, blinking becomes difficult, the corner of the mouth drools, and often the patients taste and ability to generate eye fluid is either exaggerated or muted.

Bell’s Palsy Prognosis

Bell’s Palsy will often go away with time. However, many cases of Bell’s palsy persist for months and sometimes years. It is thought that Bell’s Palsy can be caused by viral infections or stress, however no medical procedure has been found to be effective. At the end of the day bell’s Palsy heals due to the bodies own recuperative power. Therefore, if you suffer with Bell’s palsy it is important to do natural health care procedures that help the body function better, so it can heal through the underlying cause. Recently we had a gentleman come to our Carson office in southern California. He suffered with Bells for three straight months. He was unable to close his eye, smile, or make any facial expressions on one side of his face. His eyes were sensitive to light and on the effected side his eye constantly watered. In our office we are experts at locating and correcting spinal misalignments in the upper cervical spine. After a battery of tests, we determined that his atlas and axis vertebrae in the neck were misaligned and impacting the central nervous systems ability to function normally. After taking precise digital x-rays we had the information we needed to correct the spinal misalignments. Within 7 days this patient facial expression returned, eye watering normalized, and his sensitivity to light remitted. He still come sin for periodic check ups to ensure that his upper neck completely heals in its normal position thus maximizing normal nervous system function.

Unilateral Bell’s Palsy and Implications of neck injury and 7th cranial nerve function

Upper Cervical Doctors are always interested in what are the CAUSES of body dysfunction. While medicine is more interested in diagnosing symptoms and disease and treating their effects, upper cervical is concerned with removing impediments to healing. So, the question must be asked- if viruses are responsible for bell’s palsy onset why does it affect one side and not the other? The answer to this question may be the result of interferences to nerve function that are caused by neck injury. When someone sustains a blow to the head or neck, the junction between the head and neck can misalign. Spinal misalignment at the neck skull junction can result in irritation and interference to the central nervous system. The 7th cranial nerve’s nuclei is controlled in the cranial vault, however there are never tracts that travel into the neck and then back out the seventh cranial nerve. It is possible that neck trauma sets the stage for imbalances in neurological function that effect one side of the cranial nerve and not the other, making it more susceptible to viral overload or being affected by increased stress. Upper Cervical Chiropractors have had great success with helping people with Bell’s palsy and this may be do to their ability to help the central nervous system function more optimally. When interference’s are removed from the central nervous system it allows the body to right itself.

Los Angels Upper Cervical Chiropractic Offices

If you are located in the Los Angeles area and are interested in a FREE consultation in one of our offices, we would be happy to serve you. If you are located outside of the Los Angels area and need an “upper cervical chiropractor near me” you can call our office and we would be happy to find someone in your local that can help. We have two offices one in Korea town, near downtown Los Angels which serves Burbank, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, and surrounding areas. Our Carson office is located in the south bay and routinely serves patients from Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Carson, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance and surrounding areas. We hope that this information was useful and will lead those who are searching for a natural health care solution to an answer they are seeking. We always end these articles with a famous quote form the developer of chiropractic – “nature needs no help just no interference.” If you have been told its all in your head or you are just going to have to live with it- keep searching for an answer. We are big believers that for every problem there is a solution.