People with Bell’s palsy have problems with vision and speech. Sharp pain in the eye and blurred vision are often encountered by these patients.1
Since the facial nerves are responsible for the movement of the lips, when it is affected, patients with Bell’s palsy have difficulties with speaking.2
Vitamin B-12 injections have been proven successful in patients with Bell’s palsy and hence used in several types of nerve disorders.3,4
Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic facial palsy that results from the muscle weakness and paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve. People with Bell’s palsy lose their corneal reflex when affected by this condition. They have trouble blinking and closing their eyes.
Besides, it causes difficulties in swallowing food and your speech becomes slurred. Most people recover from this condition completely with the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Hence Bell’s palsy is not regarded as a life-threatening condition, unlike other diseases.
Does Bell’s Palsy Affect Vision & Speech?
Medical studies demonstrate that Bell’s palsy is a rare condition however it is the most common facial nerve disorder. It affects both men and women at any age and most people ensue this problem sometime in their lifecycle. Bell’s palsy impacts facial nerves that control the movements of the muscles in the forehead, eyes, face, and neck.
People with Bell’s palsy have problems with vision and speech. Sharp pain in the eye and blurred vision are often encountered by these patients. The affected muscles prevent the eye from blinking properly thus tears are not evenly spread across the eye. It eventually results in dehydration of the cornea leading to dryness and inflammation.
As an outcome, most individuals with Bell’s palsy endure an intense form of the dry corneal disorder known as exposure keratitis. Although Bell’s palsy is a temporary condition, yet the eye problems are quite intermittent.1
Since the facial nerves are responsible for the movement of the lips, when it is affected, patients with Bell’s palsy have difficulties with speaking. The facial nerves maintain a good muscle tone in your cheeks however when it is damaged, the muscle tone becomes weak and the tone is lost which results in slurred speech.
These patients could see that the sound of their speech is different and becomes harder to make others understand. You will feel more conscious of your speech especially when you are involved in meetings or presentations.2
How Much Vitamin B12 Should I Take For Bell’s Palsy?
Medical studies show that two therapies are safe and potentially effective in the treatment of Bell’s Palsy. Vitamin B12 injections have been proven successful in patients with Bell’s palsy and hence used in several types of nerve disorders since 1959.
Multiple theories have demonstrated that they tend to improve the symptoms from two weeks to eight weeks. However, you need to consult your healthcare provider to evaluate whether they are suitable for you and speedy your recovery time. A study was conducted on a male patient who was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
The patient was administered a massive dose of Vitamin B-12 by injection. He was given two shots (500 mcg) of methylcobalamin intravenous thrice weekly. The symptoms disappeared completely within six weeks and the patient had no longer face drooping or weakness.
Although many doctors do not regard vitamin therapy as an alternative treatment, yet there is no danger in adopting the treatment because it is safe.3,4
- Troy Bedinghaus, OD. “How Bell’s Palsy Can Affect Your Eyes.” Very well Health, 26 Nov. 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/bells-palsy-affect-eyes-3422089
- “Speech & Talking.” Facial Palsy UK, 31 July 2019, www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support/patient-guides/speech-talking/
- Peter H. Gott, M.D. “Dr. Gott: Can B-12 Help Bell’s Palsy Symptoms?” Spokesman.com, The Spokesman-Review, 30 June 2009, www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/feb/17/can-b-12-help-bells-palsy-symptoms/
- MD, Irwin Abraham. “Under recognized Use of Oral B-12 for Bell’s Palsy.” The BMJ, 7 July 2020, www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/30/underrecongnized-use-oral-b-12-bells-palsy.
Also Read:
- Bell’s Palsy: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
- How Long Does Bell’s Palsy Last & What are its Recovery Signs?
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- Is Bell’s Palsy An Emergency & Is It Related To Diabetes?
- Is Bell’s Palsy Caused By Stress & Is It A Type Of Stroke?
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- Is Bell’s Palsy Caused By A Virus & Why Is It So Painful?