Blog

Bell’s Palsy in Pregnancy

As a community we still know very little about Bell’s Palsy. The exact causes are unknown, which makes definite diagnosis difficult and treatments uncertain. Through surveys and measuring demographics, however, we can pinpoint who in society is the most at risk. At present there is indisputable evidence showing that pregnant women develop Bell’s Palsy at a higher rate than anyone else.

Explaining Bell’s Palsy

It’s often the case that just as you’ve got a grip on your health condition, the problem arises of explaining it to your friends and family. Older relatives might not understand, and for young children something like facial paralysis could be scary. So how did you do it?

The Causes of Bell’s Palsy

If there is one thing that you should know about Bell’s Palsy it is that, in fact, there are no known definite causes of the condition. Bell’s Palsy is the name given to facial paralysis that has no identifiable cause, and it is therefore quite difficult to pin-down and understand.

The Social Impacts of Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis and Bell’s Palsy both have a number of emotional and physical effects, such as anxiety over the sudden lack of control, and depression from feeling helpless. One of the major impacts that facial paralysis has on a person’s life is their ability to interact with others socially. One recent article on SunSentinel.com ‘How Can You Express Emotion When You Have Facial Paralysis?

Facial Paralysis in the Media

If you’ve spent a certain amount of time on the Facial Paralysis Institute’s website, then you may have seen the work that Dr. Azizzadeh, Director of the Institute, carried out for Mary Jo Buttafuoco on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Bell’s Palsy Treatment Options

Welcome to the Facial Paralysis Institute Blog! Here you’ll find out about any updates, new procedures and new findings in Bell’s Palsy and facial paralysis treatment, as well as gain an insight into the FPI’s surgery center, the staff that work here and what we aim to do for our patients.

Dr. Slattery and Dr. Azizzadeh performed hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer on Joe Mare

Two fastballs for strikes, a third one taken high for a ball. With the count 1-and-2, another four-seamer up in the zone. Joe Mare recognized the pitch, timed it . . . and whiffed. And for those who know him, it was a wonderful sight.