Patient's question:
The other day, a friend slept with the air conditioner on and woke up in the morning to find his face very stiff. What is Bell's palsy?Doctor's answer:
Bell's palsy (also known as facial nerve anesthesia) may be a unilateral peripheral facial paralysis caused by acute viral reactivation. The patient is unable to close their eyes. When attempting to close their eyes, the patient's eye on one side quickly turns inward and upward, revealing the white sclera, known as the "Beier phenomenon." Corticosteroids, antiviral medications, and neurotrophic drugs should be used as soon as possible. Physical therapy can be implemented during the recovery phase, and active or passive facial muscle exercises should be performed during the convalescent phase.