Page 6 - Bell's palsy

diabetes, blood sugar must be decreased. If it is due

to middle ear infection, then the infection needs to

be resolved and local inflammation decreased. If it

is due to a local tumor - which may be the most

difficult to resolve - the tumor must first be

removed.

Once the underlying cause has been removed,

then the nerve itself may require treatment in order

to get it to begin to function once again. For lack of

a better way to explain it, the underlying incident

may have traumatized the nerve leaving it in a state

of shock where it cannot function properly without

intervention. This can be done by a number of

different means. Gentle massage on the areas of the

face may help bring blood to the area and help

stimulate the nerve. Blood flow can be brought to

the area by other means including acupuncture and

herbal medicine.

It is common to use electrical stimulation as a

means of treating Bell's Palsy. Experience has

demonstrated that many times this can help

stimulate the facial nerve and help it recover

function. It should be noted, however, that this

should be done gently, especially at first. The facial