Massachusetts Personal Injury Library

Bell's Palsy Affects Children

Some children suffer from Bell’s palsy, a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face sometimes caused by a virus. Most experts think that viral infections such as HSV-1 (causes cold sores), Epstein-Barr (causes mononucleosis), or influenza result in Bell’s Palsy , according to Kids Health. It also may be connected to ear infections, bad colds, infectious ingredient of Lyme disease, or head trauma.

What causes Bell’s Palsy?

In some people, the body’s immune system reacts to a virus as an inflammation of the facial nerve. When the nerve works, it gives messages from the brain to the face to close the eyes or smile or spit. But if the nerve is affected, the messages aren’t sent and this leads to weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the face.

Bell’s palsy happens quickly, even if the virus is mild, and affects one facial nerve at a time and one side of the face, making it droop or sag.

What is the treatment?

Although there is no test, doctors will look at when the symptoms appeared and where the weakness or paralysis is. If the paralysis lasts more than a few months, the doctor will probably want to do tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to rule out other problems.

Because the paralysis is caused by a virus that has usually passed, there is no treatment, although some medications may help reduce the swelling. Once the swelling in the nerve goes down, the nerve will renew itself but it takes time usually 1-3 months.

What can parents do to help?

What parents can do is make sure their child eats well and gets plenty of sleep to start the healing process. Because Bell’s palsy affects their face, the child will need reassurance that it will return to normal. If they are being teased at school, parents may need to talk with teachers and the students to explain that it is temporary and not contagious.

Kiley Law Group, located in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained Boston birth injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.