Bell's palsy and stroke are two conditions that can cause one side of your face to droop. While both are alarming, they have distinct differences, risk factors, and treatment options. It can be easy to confuse the two! The aim here is to help you understand these conditions, how to tell them apart, and what treatments are available.
What is Bell's Palsy?
Bell's palsy causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of your face. The exact cause is not known! This condition can make one of your eyebrows droop, affect your ability to make facial expressions, and cause one side of your mouth to drool. Some common symptoms are:
- Drooping mouth
- Facial weakness
- Muscle twitches in the face
- Pain in the face, jaw, or behind the ear
- Difficulty in making facial expressions
- Increased or decreased tear production
- Changes in taste
- Sensitivity to sound
- Difficulty eating or drinking
Bell's palsy is linked to problems with the seventh cranial nerve, which controls facial movements. The exact cause isn't always clear, but it is associated with a number of potential causes. Certain infections like herpes, HIV, Epstein-Barr or lyme disease can cause Bell's palsy. These viral infections are thought to be the main cause. Stress and lack or sleep, pregnancy and preeclampsia, or diabetes and high blood pressure can also lead to this condition.
Bell's palsy often improves on its own, but treatments can help speed up recovery. Oral steroids can reduce inflammation, and antiviral medications are often prescribed to treat an underlying infection. Physical therapy will help with recovering mobility and strength in your facial muscles. Most people recover fully within three to six months, although some may experience longer-term effects.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted. This stops brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. In turn, this can cause brain cells to die within minutes. Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination
The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage in an artery leading to the brain. These can be caused by high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, often from diabetes or obesity. Smoking and being physical inactive are also risk factors, as well as other heart diseases.
Treating a stroke means getting to a hospital as quickly as you can. Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance will ensure you or the person suffering a stroke will get care immediately, doctors will be able to prepare for their arrival, and emergency treatment can start right away. Once at the hospital treatment typically consists of a "clot-busting" drug to break up the clot stopping blood from getting to the brain. If the stroke is hemorrhagic, surgical treatment may be needed to stop the bleeding. The outlook for stroke patients varies widely. Quick treatment can improve the chances of recovery, but strokes often lead to long-term disability or require long-term care.
Comparing Bell's Palsy and Stroke
Similarities
- Both can cause sudden facial drooping on one side.
- Both require medical attention, although the urgency and type of care differ.
- Shared risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnancy.
Differences
- Bell's palsy affects only the facial muscles, while strokes often cause additional symptoms like arm or leg weakness, speech problems, and confusion.
- Bell's palsy does not affect brain tissue or brain function.
- Bell's palsy is not life-threatening and often resolves with time. A stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
- Stroke has additional risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity, and a poor diet.
Bell's palsy is usually temporary and treatable with medications and therapy. A stroke, however, is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. If you are ever unsure whether someone is experiencing Bell's palsy or a stroke, seek emergency medical help right away. Understanding these conditions better can help you respond appropriately and seek the necessary treatment.