Bell’s palsy is a term that is often used in combination with the words neurological disorder. As problematic as this may sound, Bell’s palsy is a rather non-serious, temporary condition affecting the facial nerve of the patient. Because of ambiguities surrounding its origin and root causes. The condition has always sparked the interest of medical researchers and curious readers. One such curiosity is whether Bell’s palsy causes weight loss. Read on more to find out!
What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that can cause, albeit temporary, weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face. As far as medical reasoning is concerned, Bell’s palsy can be caused by trauma to the 7th cranial nerve, also called the facial nerve. While a direct cause of the condition is still unknown. Antoni’s Palsy can increasingly affect diabetic people and those recovering from infections.
It causes drooping of the muscles of one side of the face that might feel and look like paralysis. In very rare cases, Bell’s Palsy can cause paralysis of both sides of the face.
How is Bell’s palsy diagnosed?
Because there is no known and direct cause of the condition, there is also no test that can identify the symptoms of Bell’s in a foolproof manner. Physicians and doctors in the emergency room have to rely on their observations of the obvious visual symptoms and ruling out other reasons for facial paralysis.
If you think you might be coming down with Bell’s, the doctor will ask you for a brief medical history. When the symptoms began, and then ask you to make use of your facial muscles in order to figure out how well they are functioning. The exercises could include having you smile, frown and open and close your mouth.
If there is no underlying condition and cause for the facial paralysis, the doctor will identify your condition as Bell’s palsy and prescribe a dose of steroids or equivalent.
Is Antoni’s Palsy more likely to affect overweight people?
According to studies and research, ongoing and completed worldwide. We don’t have many concrete answers when it comes to Bell’s palsy. The condition is temporary, practically harmless, and most patients fully recover in a short span of time. Therefore, being overweight or underweight does not increase or decrease your chances of developing Bell’s palsy.
However, some studies have demonstrated a small link between a patient’s ideal body mass. And their ability to regain the functionality of their facial nerve as quickly as others. Research suggests that underweight or overweight people might take a longer time to fully recover from Bell’s palsy symptoms.
The research, however, does not suggest a direct link between obesity and being at high risk of Bell’s palsy. The connection is only established when it comes to the recovery of the already affected patients. That is, people with a higher or lower than ideal weight struggled to recovery as quickly and effortlessly as their counterparts.
Can Bell’s palsy help weight loss?
Because Bell’s palsy is a purely neurological condition, its effects on the body are unrelated. The facial nerve affected by Bell’s palsy has no connection to your physical activity or, consequently, weight loss.
However, some people might see the onset of Bell’s palsy symptoms as a sign and begin incorporating healthier choices in their lifestyles. But, none of it is medically necessary or recommended.
On the other hand, if you have been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and want to take a few steps towards a healthier life, you can shift to a diet plan and follow it strictly. Patients with Bell’s palsy are recommended to maintain a nutritious, soft diet. You can take the opportunity to make it a habit.
A final word
It has been a long time since scientists have been attempting to pinpoint a direct cause of Bell’s palsy; many might have even given up by now. There is nothing to worry about as long as there are no severe consequences and the patients fully recover. However, the question we ask out of curiosity are valid. And one of these questions is whether Bell’s palsy is linked with obesity in any way.
The simple answer to this question is no. While a couple of studies mention a link between the two conditions, as discussed above, there is simply no solid evidence to support the claim. Doctors worldwide have agreed that Bell’s palsy is a non-serious, temporary, condition and we should all treat it like that.
As far as weight loss is concerned, it is always better to lead a healthier life. Bell’s palsy or not, it is never a bad idea to start your weight loss journey sooner rather than later. Contact your doctor and start on the diet plan asap!
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