Patient's question:
I started questioning myself around last month, suspecting I might have Bell's palsy because several of my symptoms are very similar to it. However, I don't know what the treatment for Bell's palsy is because I'm very afraid of things like blood tests, so I've always avoided getting a thorough check. I'd like to ask if Bell's palsy requires blood tests?Doctor's answer:
Sometimes, facial paralysis caused by other organic diseases (such as parotid gland tumors and tumors surrounding the brainstem that control the facial nerve) is very similar in symptoms to idiopathic facial paralysis. Based solely on experience, it is possible to miss the diagnosis in only a small number of patients with underlying organic diseases. The purpose of other tests is to completely rule out other organic diseases to prevent missed diagnoses. Typically, doctors will arrange for a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or cranial computed tomography (CT). Blood tests and cranial CT scans are necessary before starting treatment for symptoms.