Seeking Advice on Bell's Palsy

My kids haven't had this, but my ex-husband did. He has a compromised immune system and I had a cold sore. He insisted on kissing me anyway and ended up with cold sores that spread into his mouth and throat, then ended up with Bell's Palsy. The doctor said it was the herpes virus that affected the nerves on that side of his face. It only lasted a couple of weeks and then he was fine. It hasn't happened since and that was 14 years ago. Don't be overly concerned. It should resolve itself soon.

My son had Bell's Palsy last year. His doc was thinking that he had a viral infection that caused him to have a fever that led to the bell's palsy. It went away after about 3-4 weeks and you cannot even tell that he had it. It actually looked worse than it was

my stepfather had this about 10 years ago. It did go away in a little over a week.

Actually, my husband has Belle's Palsy (so does Greta Van Susteren BTW). It's really not that bad. He has had one attack (about two years ago) and it lasted for a few weeks. He hasn't had anything since except for a few twitches here and there. They told us that it's caused by a specific herpes virus (the one that causes cold sores). And it just effects some people with the temporary paralysis on one side of their face (as the virus reaches the nerves located near the back of the jaw). They also said that it was unlikely to cause him any real problems in the long run. Maybe just an occasional attack, especially if he's had a really bad cold or something. He's had bad colds since though and nothing so I don't think it's a big deal and I think your son is unlikely to be effected by it much.

Rest assured that it's going to go away soon and shouldn't put in an appearance very often after that. We actually found it kind of funny, but I can see how I wouldn't find it funny at all if it happened to one of my children. In and adult...well, we were able to laugh about it. Keep your chin up, he'll be just fine. :) Best Wishes!

C.,

I dealt with Bell's Palsy the last few weeks of my pregnancy. The paralysis completely recovered after I delivered (4 weeks later). I haven't had any complications since. Your little man will be back to his normal self soon. Congrats to you on the baby on the way!

T.

I haven't had it and neither have my kids but I have seen in in kids before and had a friend who got is as a complication of pregnancy. I have never seen it NOT resolve. No treatment is required and it just sort of peters out. I can imagine that it would be upsetting as a parent to see something just HAPPEN to your child that you can't do anything about, but rest assured, it does just go away, and it doesn't cause your child any anxiety or discomfort. He's more likely to pick up on your stress than have any of his own, so smile, take some pictures so he can be amazed by it when he's old enough to understand it and rest easy! He might even be able to use the pictures some day in junior high or high school (or even medical school!) when he needs to do a science project or research paper!

BTW, congratulations and good luck with the new baby girl on the way! My fourth, also a baby girl, is due in about six weeks too!

Dear C.,

You should ask your doctor about the possibility of whether your son can take a Lysine supplement. It has been determined that Bell's Palsy is caused by the Herpes virus which is the same virus that causes fever blisters and cold sores on the lip. Sometimes this can be transmitted if an adult with a cold sore kisses the child. Lysine is an amino acid that helps to deactivate the virus. You can buy over the counter, but you need to ask your pediatrician what a pediatric dose would be. I am an acupuncturist and I treat pediatric patients. I've never had a child with the problem, but i have successfully treated adults with the same problem. When I treat children i don't use needles, we use a light beam to activate some acupuncture points. You might investigate if a Chinese Medicine practitioner in your area can treat your child.

Sincerely,

S. Martin OMD,L.Ac.,RN

Bells Palsey goes away on its own, especially in Children. The doctor is correct to say about two weeks. In adults it takes longer. My brother had it a couple of months as an adult. Trust God, your boy will heal. AF

I haven't dealt with Bell's Palsy in a child but my good friend had it. It took her a while to recover (she is in her 40's) but did recover fully. It takes time but your son should fully recover. Good luck.

I don't have alot of advice, other than when I was growing up, my sister developed it when she was about 11 or 12 years old and it only lasted a few weeks. They never did determine exactly how it came about. She is 37 now and has never had any problems concerning it since. Hope that story eases your concerns a bit. Good luck!