×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

How Can I Help Someone With Bell’s Palsy & Is It A Sign Of MS?

It can be a devasting experience for people with Bell’s palsy. During such instances, friends can play a vital part in helping and encouraging them.1

Many people with facial palsy are in happy relationships because their partner never regards paralysis as a disability.2

Medical studies report that facial palsy is the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis and is noticed in 4 out of 100 patients.3, 4

As the name says, Palsy means paralysis. Bell’s palsy occurs when the inner ear becomes inflamed, increasing in pressure causing damage to the facial nerve. Medical studies show about one person out of 60 encountered this experience during some point in their lifetime.

For people who are experiencing facial palsy from a young age, their friends get used to their looks and don’t treat them oddly. However, this is not the case with everyone. Most patients undergo an emotional toll both physically and psychologically.

How Can I Help Anyone With Bell’s Palsy?

Life is not smooth and easy in patients with Bell’s Palsy. They can no longer continue with their normal routine with ease. Many people don’t understand them and feel pitied looking at their condition which can make them more worried. It can be a devasting experience for people with Bell’s palsy. During such instances, friends can play a vital part in helping and encouraging them.1

Bell’s palsy is just a small part of their life when someone you know suffers from this condition, you could always extend your support through the following:

  • Educate yourself about the condition through websites or online journals and avoid situations with which they would be embarrassed.
  • Be patient and listen to their problems and express their misery. You should provide them with more confidence so first have a positive attitude.
  • Don’t treat them badly, instead provide empathy.
  • Find support sources for them and share experiences of people who have recovered from the symptoms. A quality support network makes a huge difference.

Many people with facial palsy are in happy relationships because their partner never regards paralysis as a disability. Help them research all possible options that could help them faster in their recovery.2

Is Bell’s Palsy A Sign Of MS?

Bell’s palsy and Multiple Sclerosis may often be associated if one side of the cranial nerves is affected. Medical studies report that facial palsy is the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis and is noticed in 4 out of 100 patients. MS affects people differently and the symptoms may vary from mild to severe.

Not everyone exhibits the same symptoms, but the early signs are a painful vision in one eye, facial paralysis, pain, and weakness in the limbs and MS-induced dizziness. The symptoms mimic the complete involvement of all facial muscles and related to Bell’s palsy.

It is often important to be aware of MS and its initial symptoms. The disorder finds positive outcomes in recovery when diagnosed at an early onset. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life of your loved one. Although it is not a fatal condition, early detection and treatment result in a happy life.

However, in some instances, MS can be misinterpreted so they will not be provided correct diagnosis and treatment. This can be potentially devastating in these patients.3,4

References:

  1. “Bell’s Palsy: Care Instructions.” MyHealth.Alberta.ca Government of Alberta Personal Health Portal, myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut1793.
  2. says: Suzanne, et al. “My Battle with Bell’s Palsy Part 5: 13 Tips and Takeaways for the Newly Diagnosed.” Holley Grainger, 6 May 2020, www.holleygrainger.com/my-battle-with-bells-palsy-tips-and-takeaways-for-newly-diagnosed/.
  3. Saleh, Christian, et al. “Peripheral (Seventh) Nerve Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis: A Diagnostic Dilemma – A Case Report.” Case Reports in Neurology, S. Karger AG, 23 Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772634/.
  4. Team, Brain and Spine. “4 Early Warning Signs of MS You Shouldn’t Ignore.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 2 Jan. 2019, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-early-signs-of-ms-you-shouldnt-ignore/

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 5, 2021

Recent Posts

Related Posts