Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Dry Eye And Headache When Diagnosed With Bell's Palsy?
Question: I found out yesterday that I have partial Bell's palsy. I'm taking steroids. Just had acupuncture today for Bell's palsy. My right eye feels the strain and seems to get dry. I now have a sore throat. I have slight headaches here and there. Below my ears I have tension like I ate something sour. I feel like I have water in my ear. I get goosebumps in just patches. My body has been going through a lot since March. I was extremely exhausted in April. I have arthritis in my lower back and my neck, diagnosed in May 2015 and again in October after MRI. I'm waiting to see an endocrinologist next month because I have nodules on my thyroid. I was told my thyroid is ok. I am 45 yrs old and a mother of 2 young kids. What am I going through? My body hasn't been the same since March. I first thought it was onset of menopause.
Brief Answer:
Most likely due to the steroids.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The dose of steroids for Bell's Palsy should be at least 1 mg per kg per day in divided doses. These should be tapered.
2. The dry eye will be due to the incomplete cclosure of the eyelid. Eye care is an integral part of the treatment of Bell's Palsy. Hydroxy methyl cellulose eye drops during the day, eye ointment at night and eye pads are used.
3. The aches, pains and odd sensations are common in Bell's Palsy and while on steroid treatment. An anti-inflammatory medication and anti-acidity medication should be taken
4. Facial Nerve Function tests such as NCS ( Nerve Conduction Studies ), EMG ( Electromyography ) and ENoG ( Electroneuronography ) should be done. ENoG can be done sooner, but NCS and EMG should be done 10 days to 14 days after onset.
5. Visit a specialist to rule out other causes for the Facial Nerve Palsy. Upload the test results.
6. This is less likely to be due to menopause.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Most likely due to the steroids.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The dose of steroids for Bell's Palsy should be at least 1 mg per kg per day in divided doses. These should be tapered.
2. The dry eye will be due to the incomplete cclosure of the eyelid. Eye care is an integral part of the treatment of Bell's Palsy. Hydroxy methyl cellulose eye drops during the day, eye ointment at night and eye pads are used.
3. The aches, pains and odd sensations are common in Bell's Palsy and while on steroid treatment. An anti-inflammatory medication and anti-acidity medication should be taken
4. Facial Nerve Function tests such as NCS ( Nerve Conduction Studies ), EMG ( Electromyography ) and ENoG ( Electroneuronography ) should be done. ENoG can be done sooner, but NCS and EMG should be done 10 days to 14 days after onset.
5. Visit a specialist to rule out other causes for the Facial Nerve Palsy. Upload the test results.
6. This is less likely to be due to menopause.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi
I'm using rewetting drops for contacts since I don't have glasses.
I still have sore throat. I have slight headaches here and there. Slight pressure pain under ear. Goosebumps form in patches on my right arm they come and go. I noticed my heart started racing 30 min after taking prednisone. Is it too strong for me? This all can be side effect?
I was given 21 prednisone 10MG tablets to take. Saturday I took 6 tablets then Sunday 5 tablets and today 4 tablets tapering off 1 tablet till finished.
I'm going to see a family doctor on Wednesday. And acupuncture tomorrow. I'm very concerned if there's more to my issue than Bell's palsy. What can I do in the meantime?
I'm using rewetting drops for contacts since I don't have glasses.
I still have sore throat. I have slight headaches here and there. Slight pressure pain under ear. Goosebumps form in patches on my right arm they come and go. I noticed my heart started racing 30 min after taking prednisone. Is it too strong for me? This all can be side effect?
I was given 21 prednisone 10MG tablets to take. Saturday I took 6 tablets then Sunday 5 tablets and today 4 tablets tapering off 1 tablet till finished.
I'm going to see a family doctor on Wednesday. And acupuncture tomorrow. I'm very concerned if there's more to my issue than Bell's palsy. What can I do in the meantime?
Brief Answer:
Bell's Palsy will recover well.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The eye drops are fine.
2. Since you have a sore throat and headache / pains, adding an antiviral may help.
3. The steroid dose is fine, and can be taken longer. The side effects of the treatment will be transient.
4. There is no cause for worry. Follow the protocol mentioned in my previous answer.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Bell's Palsy will recover well.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The eye drops are fine.
2. Since you have a sore throat and headache / pains, adding an antiviral may help.
3. The steroid dose is fine, and can be taken longer. The side effects of the treatment will be transient.
4. There is no cause for worry. Follow the protocol mentioned in my previous answer.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Today I finished my last tablet of prednisone. Do I need to ask for more? My face didn't get better. I use the rewetting drops for my eyes constantly. I now have allergy/cold but no fever. What is anti inflammatory and anti acidity medication? Can you tell me specifically? My face twitches here and there. Is that a good sign that recovery is coming?? I should ask doctor for all the facial nerve tests?
Brief Answer:
Details as described below :
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Steroids should be continued for longer. I usually taper the steroids over 15 days with a maintenance dose for another 15 days. Physiotherapy is also important.
2. An anti-allergic medication such as levocetirizine or fexofenadine will help reduce any cold or allergy. Anti inflammatory medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and anti - reflux medication such rabeprazole will help.
3. Twitches and fasciculations are a sign of recovery.
4. Get the nerve function tests done.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as described below :
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Steroids should be continued for longer. I usually taper the steroids over 15 days with a maintenance dose for another 15 days. Physiotherapy is also important.
2. An anti-allergic medication such as levocetirizine or fexofenadine will help reduce any cold or allergy. Anti inflammatory medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and anti - reflux medication such rabeprazole will help.
3. Twitches and fasciculations are a sign of recovery.
4. Get the nerve function tests done.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
