british-cars-request@alliant.com (02/09/90)
In response to someone's earlier request on this topic, I went to the public library Wednesday evening in hopes of resolving the questions of what Bell's palsy is and what causes it. The results of the search follow. Bell's palsy is named after Sir Charles Bell (1774-1842), a Scottish physiologist and surgeon who worked in London. This condition is also known as facial palsy. >From _Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary_: "unilateral facial paralysis of sudden onset, due to lesion of the facial nerve and resulting in characteristic distortion of the face." Lesion in this context means 'injury' or 'harm,' and not necessarily an external sore. >From _The Complete Medical Guide_, by Benjamin F. Miller, M.D.: "temporary paralysis (esp. facial) caused by infection or cold drafts [more on that later!]. Normally clears up after some days or weeks." >From _A Popular Guide to Medical Language_, by Edward R. Brace: "A neurological (nerve) disorder that affects only one nerve and its branches -- the facial (VII cranial) nerve that supplies the facial muscles. The cause is unknown, but it is thought that the facial nerve becomes swollen and compressed; this can happen relatively easily, since it passes through a narrow bony tunnel on its way to the facial muscles. "The onset is sudden; in most cases the full signs of facial paralysis occur within a single day. Some patients occasionally experience pain behind the ear before the facial muscles become incapable of movement. The abrupt onset is important in diagnosis, since other forms of facial paralysis may appear similar but be the result of a different disorder. "The classical signs of Bell's palsy involve only one side of the face, although rarely both sides are involved. One corner of the mouth droops, the furrows or wrinkles of the skin over the forehead relax (it is impossible to scowl) and it may not be possible to close the eye on the affected side. The face feels heavy and numb and saliva may dribble from the affected corner of the mouth. The patient is unable to blow out the cheeks or whistle. A few people also experience a partial loss of taste. "Recovery is less common in the elderly than in younger patients, although if some improvement is noticed within a few weeks of the onset of paralysis the outlook is favorable, and total recovery may occur. Prompt medical attention is important, including protection of the exposed eye (especially during sleep). The earlier treatment is begun, the better the chances of recovery." Dr. Miller suggests that the cause may be cold drafts, while Mr. Brace states that the cause is unknown. So even the experts can't agree on a cause. It would seem that driving with the top down in cold weather is akin to driving without wearing a seat belt: you pays your money and you takes your chances. Me, I'm playing it safe: I wear my seat belt when I drive, and I put the top up when it's cold. Drooling ain't my idea of a good time. If anyone wants more info, I can drop by the university library next time I'm up that way. Let me know by e-mail. One final note on cold drafts: perhaps Old Joe Lucas and his famous refrigerators aren't the real reason the British drink warm beer. The real reason is that they don't want Bell's palsy! So the next time you're in your favorite pub, don't take unnecessary risks. If you're going to drink cold beer, get the bottled or canned product. :-) :-) -------------------------------------------------------------------- T.J. Higgins uunet!ingr!higgins (UUCP) Intergraph Corp. M/S CR041 higgins@ingr.com (Internet) One Madison Industrial Park Huntsville, AL 35894-0001 "Well-weathered leather, hot metal (205) 730-6191 and oil, the scent of country air" -Rush
pwv@tc.fluke.com (Pat Vilbrandt) (02/09/90)
Just couldn't let this pass after T.J. Higgins took the time and effort to
research the previously suspected causes of Bell's Palsy (even tho it
only remotely has anything to do the British Cars!). A good friend and
co-worker of mine is currently recovering from Bell's palsy, so I am very
familiar with the symptoms, treatment, and *current* wisdom on its cause.
Recent indications are that Bell's palsy symptoms are *virally* caused,
the virus being similar to the one that causes viral meningitis. (Some
may recall that exposure to extreme cold was once also blamed for the
onset of viral meningitis.) The ties between exposure to cold and Bell's
palsy are very weak, and may or may not influence the onset of the disease.
BTW - my friend has much of the muscle control back in the left side of his
face, no longer needs to wear an eye patch, and is expected to eventually
get most of the control of his face back. Also, he does not do any top-down
motoring in a British or any other car! Besides, it doesn't get that cold
around here (Seattle) anyway!
So, keep those hoods down!
We now return you to your regular British Cars discussions ...
Pat Vilbrandt John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc. Everett, Washington USA
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