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Bell's Palsy
What is Bell's Pasly?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that involves the 7th cranial nerve and is only a temporary condition, in rare cases Bell's palsy can leave permanent damage. Bell's Palsy affects all ages around the globe. Patients who experience this condition have symptoms that appear suddenly but only last a few days. Some patients who suddenly develop Bell’s palsy will only regain complete facial function within six months. Most times Bell's Palsy has a fast recovery time from a few weeks to 6 months but the waiting period is challenging and may result in long term deficits. Patients with Bell's palsy tend to have muscle and facial paralysis on one side of their face. Bell's palsy can also lead to other symptoms such as drooling, loss of taste or smell and pain in the face.
How does HBOT help treat Bell's pasly?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is beneficial for conditions such as Bell's Palsy. HBOT is effective in reducing swelling and inhibiting inflammation. With Bell's palsy even a small reduction of pressure on the cranial nerve can improve the blood flow and oxygen so that the restricted muscles can once again work effectively. If the nerve has already been damaged by the lack of oxygenated blood flow then HBOT is also effective at healing the wounded nerve by decreasing inflammation and enhancing repair. Oxygen therapy helps repair the nerve long-term function of the and cosmetic consequences are decreased. With HBOT patients do not need to wait for a 6 month recovery and their overall facial appearance is much better e.g. they will have a more normal smile, upper eyelid works better, decrease in drooling and improvement in tasting.