Risk Factors And Associated Conditions
Bells palsy can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people between ages 15 and 45.6 Although Bells palsy appears to affect men and women at similar rates, young women were found to be at greater risk of recurrent Bells palsy in one small study.63 Evidence suggests Bells palsy may run in some families, and at least one genetic variant has been identified as a possible risk factor.1,64
Several other conditions have been reported to have associations with Bells palsy, although the mechanisms behind these relationships is unclear.
Basic Vitamin B12 Blood Sample Collection Pack
vitamin B12
- Place an order and get your test delivered to your door
- Collect your blood sample by following the instructions in the test kit
- Send your samples to our UK-based, accredited partner laboratory
- Once your results are available which usually takes 2 to 3 days, our doctors will review them
- One of our doctors will contact you through a secure and confidential message in your patient account, to let you know your results and give you advice and support on what to do next
- Sometimes the doctor may need to contact you to get more information, so please make sure your contact details are up to date on your patient account.
Recommended Dinner Diet For Bells Palsy
Green vegetables are full of Vitamin A that patients need, so a plate full of them is a good place to start.
Leafy veggies also contain Vitamin C, as do potatoes and peppers.
For some extra nerve-repairing zinc, patients can add some beans, poultry, or seafood. This way theyll get their protein fix, too.
Whole grains also have zinc, and they can help to round out the evening meal.
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Prescribe Prednisolone Alone For Bells Palsy Diagnosed Within 72 Hours Of Symptom Onset
As for Herpes Zoster, where there is “demyelination” of the affectednerve fibres, so Injections of Vitamin B.12 are indicated, at once inBell’s Palsy.
Vitamin B.12 is known to be essential for the formation of Myelin.
In Herpes Zoster early administration within three weeks anyway willstop the pain and begin healing of the vesicles. The missing Myelin isthen apparently restored
Bell’s Palsy may or may not have a visible Geniculate Herpes but letit be presumed and so instantly prescribe and administer intramuscularVitamin B.12 daily .
This should be automatic in all other suspected cases ofDemyelination, for example, in exacerbations of Disseminated “Multiple”Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Syndrome, Idiopathic Vestibular neuritis and theothers..
This has been usual in General Practice for the past fifty years.Physiotherapy may be started with Galvanic Stimulation a week later.
Indeed Prednisolone will ease some discomfort, but B.12 seems to getBell’s palsy better sooner.
Recommended Drinks For Bells Palsy
Liquids can be particularly useful for patients who are having trouble chewing regular food. A smoothie can combine the nutrients of different fruits and veggies and will alleviate the need to chew.
Herbal teas are another option, particularly echinacea or elderberry for their antiviral benefits.
Water is always the healthiest choice, and patients can add some citrus fruits or berries in their water to spruce it up.
If drinking is difficult, a straw can make it much easier.
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Lyme Disease Masquerading As Bells Palsy
Lyme disease is an under-recognized cause of facial palsy, frequently misdiagnosed as Bells palsy.43 Lyme disease is caused by infection with the tick-borne spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and is characterized by three stages: dermatologic , neurologic , and rheumatologic .50
The most common neurological manifestation of Lyme disease is facial nerve paralysis, occurring in 8392% of cases involving the nervous system.51 It has been estimated that as many as 25% of Bells palsy diagnoses are actually Lyme disease.50 The likelihood of Lyme disease may be even higher in children with facial nerve palsy, since the incidence of Lyme disease is higher and the risk of Bells palsy is lower in children.52
Facial nerve palsy due to Lyme disease usually affects one side of the face, but can affect both sides, often asymetrically.50,53 In children, Lyme disease is the cause of about half of all cases of bilateral facial nerve palsy.54 Physical exam, neurological tests, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests may be helpful in securing an accurate diagnosis.55
Ultra Vit B Complex Faq
What Has Ultra Vitamin B Complex Been Developed?
Ultra Vitamin B Complex from Vitabiotics includes all eight essential B vitamins that play a truly remarkable role in the body, essential for helping to maintain all round health including hair and skin health, and a normal nervous system. The B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, this means that they are excreted in the urine and can be quickly depleted from the body, which means a daily vitamin like Ultra Vitamin B Complex can help to safeguard your daily intake of essential B vitamins.
Can Ultra Vit B Complex be used simultaneously with medications?
Generally, Ultra Vitamin B Complex may be used alongside medications, because it contains only moderate levels of vitamins, and is free from any drugs or hormones. For specific advice on taking Ultra Vitamin B Complex with medicines, we recommend that you contact your doctor or pharmacist first.
How many tablets does one pack of Ultra Vit B Complex contain?
Ultra Vitamin B Complex contains 60 tablets per pack.
How And When Should Ultra Vitamin B Complex Be Used?
One or two tablets per day are recommended per day. Swallow with water or a cold drink. Not to be chewed. Do not exceed the recommended intake.
Is Ultra Vitamin B Complex Recommended With Any Other Vitabiotics Product?
Are There Any Undesired Effects Whilst Taking Ultra Vitamin B Complex?
What Are The Nutrients Included In Ultra Vitamin B Complex?
Difficulty swallowing a tablet?
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How Do You Know If You Have Bell’s Palsy
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy may develop suddenly and reach their peak in no time . The most common symptoms include the following:
- You may have weakness or complete loss of control in one side of your face with difficulty closing your eyelid.
- You will experience irritation in the eye with increased tear production.
- You will experience pain underneath your ear on the affected side.
- You will develop increased sensitivity to sound in one ear only.
- You will notice drooling from the mouth, usually on the affected side of your face.
- You will have dry mouth.
Moreover, you may also experience headache, pain around the jaw, dizziness, ringing in one ear, impaired speech, and difficulty drinking or eating.
Bells Palsy Remedies And Supplements
Usually, Bells palsy goes away on its own after a few days without the aid of any medicines or supplements. When it persists, however, it becomes necessary to take some remedies to ease the muscle weakness and stimulate the cranial nerve to transmit nerve impulses. Some supplements and remedies that could help include:
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Life Extension Foundation Recommendations
Patients with Bells palsy might want to wear eye protection, if directed by a physician. The standard therapy for Bells palsy is antiviral drugs combined with corticosteroids. This treatment may be enhanced by taking the following supplements:
-
Methylcobalamin500 micrograms three times weekly by intramuscular injection or 5 milligrams sublingual lozenges. A suggested dose is 40 to 80 mg daily until symptoms subside.
-
Omega-3 fish oil1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA
Extended Vitamin B12 Blood Sample Collection Pack
may allow you to start treatment with us
- Place an order and get your test delivered to your door
- Collect your blood sample by following the instructions in the test kit
- Send your samples to our UK-based, accredited partner laboratory
- Your results should be available in 2 to 3 days
- When we receive your results, our doctors will review them we will contact you through your account and give you specific information on what to do next
- If your vitamin B12 levels come back low, depending on your other results and the answers you give about yourself, we may be able to offer you injectable vitamin B12 treatment at Superdrug Health Clinic. If this is the case, our doctors will send you a message advising you how to organise this
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What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by any of the following:
- Pernicious anaemia is a condition of the immune system. Your body develops antibodies against the intrinsic-factor proteins produced by the cells in your stomach which help to absorb B12. These antibodies destroy the intrinsic factor proteins, making B12 absorption impossible. This results in low vitamin B12 or deficiency and causes abnormally large red blood cells to be produced, which cannot carry oxygen around your body effectively
- Diet If your diet is lacking in red meat, Fish, meat, eggs, milk, and other dairy or breakfast cereals which also contain vitamin B12, you may develop vitamin B12 deficiency over time. So if you are a vegan you may be more likely to become vitamin B12 deficient
- Medicines Certain medications can reduce the way that vitamin B12 is absorbed by your body, or make vitamin B12 deficiency worse. For example, metformin for treating diabetes, antipsychotic drugs, hormonal replacement therapy , oral contraceptives, and drugs for treating acid reflux like PPIs
- Pregnancy B12 is transferred to the growing baby throughout pregnancy reducing the amount available to the mother.
- Surgery Stomach surgery such as a gastrectomy which involves removing part of your stomach may increase your risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency due to reduced absorption
- Crohn’s disease This disease can lead to inflammation of the digestive tract and may reduce how much vitamin B12 your body absorbs
What Are The Complications Of Bell’s Palsy
Bells palsy usually resolves in time and causes no long-term complications. However, during the illness most people with Bells palsy are unable to close their eye on the affected side of their face. It is, therefore, important to protect the eye from drying at night or while working at a computer. Eye care may include eye drops during the day, ointment at bedtime, or a moisture chamber at night. This helps protect the cornea from being scratched.
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Can Vitamin B12 Help With Bells Palsy Recovery
In the very beginning of your Bells palsy, besides steroids, such as Prednisone, your doctor may prescribe you a B12 supplement. Vitamin B12, together with B1 and B6, is important for the well-being of our nervous system. Their deficiency can lead to a number of problems. B12, specifically, is responsible for the maintenance of myelin sheath the insulation that covers our facial nerve and ensures its conductivity.
Lets take a look at each recovery option of Bells palsy and whether B12 or other supplements can be useful there.
What Vitamins Help With Bells Palsy
When you are diagnosed with Bells palsy, doctors may suggest antiviral drugs along with steroids treatment to reduce swelling and inflammation and help recovery completely from this condition. You may also be advised for physical therapy such as massage and simple exercises to reduce the extent of weakness and severity of facial paralysis.1
In addition to the existing medications, alternative medicines such as vitamin therapy and supplements have been proven successful to help improve symptoms in several patients. Condition not properly treated may result in permanent drooping and weakness. These cases are given a massive dose of vitamins.
Medical studies demonstrated that acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 was effective in the treatment of Bells palsy. Although America doctors are skeptical about this theory, yet clinal studies suggest that vitamins dont seem wrong in administrating and neither producing serious consequences. Though it doesnt work, it is safe!.2
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Recommended Vitamin/s For Bells Palsy
B vitamins have the power to control nerve cell activity, so it makes sense for a Bells Palsy diet to include these vitamins.
Many types of meat contain Vitamin B6, including salmon, tuna, grass-fed beef, and chicken. Bananas and spinach are also rich in this vitamin.
Beans and lentils will provide Vitamin B9, along with asparagus, broccoli, and turnip greens.
Eggs and shellfish are full of Vitamin B12, and getting a variety of B vitamins will ensure that patients reap the full benefits.
How Is Bell’s Palsy Treated
If a specific cause for Bells palsy is identified, such as infection, that cause will be treated. Otherwise, the symptoms are treated as needed.
One uniformly recommended treatment for Bell’s palsy is protecting the eye from drying at night or while working at a computer. Eye care may include eye drops during the day, ointment at bedtime, or a moisture chamber at night. This helps protect the cornea from being scratched, which is crucial to the management of Bell’s palsy.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe other treatment for your condition based on the severity of your symptoms and your health history. Other treatment options include:
- Steroids to reduce inflammation
- Antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir
- Analgesics or moist heat to relieve pain
- Physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve
Some people may choose to use alternative therapies in the treatment of Bell’s palsy, but there is no proof they make a difference in recovery. Such treatment may include:
- Relaxation
- Vitamin therapy, including B12, B6, and the mineral zinc
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Recommended Herbs For Bells Palsy
There are a few herbs that can lend some anti-inflammatory power to the cells. One example is capsaicin, which is in chili peppers.
Capsaicin can help patients with Bells Palsy better control any discomfort. Plus, it can help lower LDL cholesterol, which is always a good thing.
Garlic is another herb that patients would benefit from. Garlic reduces inflammation and its helpful in combating infections.
Its an easy herb to slip into different meals, and it tastes good, too.
Finally, turmeric is known for its antioxidants and medicinal properties. It is antimicrobial, making it perfect for recovering from viral infections, and it has anti-inflammatory qualities.
People can take turmeric in tablet form if they dont like the taste.
How Our Service Works
Ordering is quick and simple:
- Orders received before 4pm will be sent out the same day. Orders received after 4pm will be sent out the next working day
- Your treatment will be posted to you via your choice of first class or next-day delivery
- This will be contactless delivery. Someone will need to be home to tell the courier that they can sign on your behalf or they won’t be able to deliver your parcel.
- Your treatment will arrive in plain, discreet packaging
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Medical Treatments For Bell’s Palsy Recovery
The initial treatment involves taking steroids and antiviral medicines, but you may have to take other steps as well to accelerate recovery.
1. Steroid Tablets
You will have to be on a 10-day course of steroid tablets to reduce inflammation. They are quite effective but their long-term use may lead to certain side effects. While taking steroid tablets does not guarantee full recovery, it definitely increases your chances of recovering faster.
2. Antiviral Medicines
Your doctor will give you antiviral medications if they suspect your condition is due to a viral infection. It sometimes proves beneficial for the patient to take antiviral medicines in combination with steroid tablets.
3. Physiotherapy
Along with taking medicines, you will get better results by trying some facial exercises. Your physiotherapist will teach you how to perform certain exercises to strengthen your facial muscles. These exercises play a big role in improving coordination in your facial muscles and increasing range of movement. While physiotherapy works great for many, it is not that effective or suitable for everyone.
4. Plastic Surgery
5. Botulinum Toxin Injections
What Can I Do At Home For Bells Palsy
Using lubricating eye drops during the day and an eye ointment at night will help keep your eye moist. Wearing glasses or goggles during the day and an eye patch at night can protect your eye from getting poked or scratched. In severe cases of Bells palsy, an eye doctor may need to monitor the eye.
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What Causes Bell’s Palsy
The cause of Bell’s palsy is not known. It is thought that it may be due to inflammation that is directed by the body’s immune system against the nerve controlling movement of the face. Bell’s palsy is sometimes associated with the following:
- Diabetes
- Loss of the sense of taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue
- Hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear
- Inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Vitamin B12 And Long Bells Palsy Recovery
If the damaging factor was present for a longer time, it had damaged not only the myelin sheath but also the fibres themselves . In this case, your body needs to regenerate both the affected branches of the nerve and its insulation . Only then the signals can start reaching the facial muscles successfully once again.
This takes time. The regeneration of the facial nerve, in the best conditions, can occur at the rate of 1 mm per day maximum. Usually, our body needs to recover approximately 90-100 mm of the damaged facial nerve fibres. At 1 mm per day, that may require up to 3 months before you will see the first movements. Whether you take any supplements, medications or any other claimed miracles, you cannot make it regenerate faster than intended by the laws of nature. This is why recovery cannot occur overnight.
Clearly, if you have any deficiencies in Vitamin B12 or other vitamins such as B1 or B6, your regeneration rate will be slower. Your body uses all of its available resources to regenerate the facial nerve. The fewer resources are available, the longer it will take.
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