I came down with a severe case of Bells Palsy while pregnant...basically no movement on the right side of my face at all. It has been 7 months. Around month 4 I started to get a little movement back and it seemed like I was starting to recover, but a few weeks later completely stopped. I visited my neurologist and he felt that we are outside the normal recovery window (approx 6 months) and more than likely my face has recovered all that it will. I still can't smile, close my mouth or eye all the way. My question is this. Has anyone tried any type of treatment that has worked. I am looking for people that have had severe bells palsy and have had treatment AFTER the 6 month mark. If you have had success with anything I would sure appreciate you sharing your story. Thanks so much!
I went to see Dr Isaacson at UT Southwestern Dallas. He is a neurologist who specializes in facial nerves. It turns out I was misdiagnosed with Bells Palsy and I actually have Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. I cannot recommend him enough. We are going to start with physical therapy. Recovery can take up to a year, although unlikely that I will ever get full facial movement back. Thank you so much for all your advise and encouragement. I am glad to have a diagnosis now that fits instead of being the severe exception.
L., I have no idea about treatments, but your post touched me, and I just want you to know that I'm rooting for you. I just prayed for you, for a full recovery, for fortitude and patience through this trial, and that you would find the right treatment; that you'll smile again soon!!
L., I only had it for 4 months, and I still have small deficits that have never gone away (only my mom & I can tell). Just wanted to encourage you to try the accupuncture. I saw a chiropracter in addition to my neurologist, but never got the suggestion for accupuncture. Wish I had. Also, just wanted to encourage you that those nerves can take a really long time to regenerate, but it can happen! Take care.
I've never had it, but one of my dearest lifelong friends had it for two years and then recovered from it. She hasn't had a relapse since and it's been more than a decade. One or two of her aunts (on her maternal side) had it as well, and one of those aunts recovered and then years later relapsed for a while and then recovered again.
My understanding is that "they" just don't know what causes it or how long it will last. You can spontaneously recover at any time or not, but it's just not predictable. I do know that my friend is afraid that it will happen to her again some day, especially knowing that there's a family history for relapses, and it did affect her self-esteem. She's an amazing woman with an amazing family and it never once affected her ability to be a wonderful person or to do her jobs. She didn't really talk about treatments and she doesn't like to talk about it much except that she did have to have check-ups occasionally. I believe she also went for 2nd opinions.
I wish I knew more to offer other you.
I had it when I was about 23. Got it unexpectidely and they suspected it was from a cold sore that never surfaced. My neurologist did some test where he connected needles to the nerves in my face and sent electical pulses through it. Based on that, he was able to tell how responsive the nerves were and that while I still visibly showed a difference and had differences in how my mouth closed/open, that the tests indicated there was not permanent damage. Did they do this on you?
Hi
I have severe bell palsy for 2-1/2 years. When I first got it I was told it would be an 8 month recovery now I have been told I will not have a total recovery I have severe migraines at least 12 a month. Has anyone had this for so long?? And I would appreciate any advice. This has change my life so much I couldn't explain.
First, I would highly recommend trying Accupuncture plus whatever herbs they recommend.
Is your Neurologist OK with your recovery? Is there any additional blood work or another referral to consider?
I wish you would have asked sooner so you could have started Accupuncture sooner as well. The nerve will only regenerate during an acute phase then the recover and healing slows down to by 6 mos. out. So therapies during the acute phase, i.e. the first 3 months are the most beneficial.
Also, please analyze your diet and nutrition. Bells Palsy and the severity of it tends to be worse in those with poor immune systems. So it's really important for you to eat healthy and nutritious every single meal and snack. Lots of berries, fresh greens, fish, etc.
So me, I had a 'blighted' bells palsy episode. The paralysis and facial numbness started...but for some wonderful and odd reason...it aborted. I have some minor cheek asymmetry still, that only the neurologist typically picks up on.
Have you tried a chiropractic neurologist? Would be happy to send you a referral. I have spoken with 2 extensively regarding auto-immune disorders, and I don't know enough about Bells Palsy, but if it is auto-immune, they might be able to help.
I'm so sorry. My husband healed before that and is normal now, but he had mentioned acupuncture as a possibility if it didn't heal on its own. His doctor had mentioned that as a method, but I don't know anyone that has tried it. Did you already do your zpack?
I'm a teacher, and a high school student of mine developed severe Bells Palsy when she was only 15. After traditional treatments didn't help, she went to an acupuncturist and was completely cured within several months. The doctor she saw is in Arlington at Hwa Tow Acupuncture. His name is Jeff Tsing and the website is http://www.txacupuncture.com/index.html. I've seen him for sciatica, and the treatments have helped a lot. Good luck!
My friend had bells palsy as a result of Lymes Disease. Is it possible you have untreated Lymes? She went on a course of antibiotics for months and did fully recover from bells palsy. Good luck!
Hi L., My dad had a very severe case which went way past the 6 months mark with no improvement. He had tried everything his specialist recommended but nothing worked. He tried accupuncture and the results were amazing. I don't remember how long it took but the next time I saw him he looked normal (he lived in Houston so maybe it was a month or 2). His doctor was surprised - he had not thought it would help. Since it was in Houston I don't have a name to give you, but I think someone else recommended an acupuncturist. I would definitely give it a try. Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.
