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Does Bells Palsy Affect The Ears?
My husband came down with Bells Palsy last Sunday morning. He is taking the prednisone prescription and using eye lubricants and doing facial exercises. We have followup with PT and the Internal Medicine Doctor. The doctor stresses the importance of eye lubrication, but did not put much emphasis on the ear, which we are wondering about. Is there possibility of underlying tumor which may have caused this and how would we discount that possibility?
Thu, 2 Apr 2015
Hello!
I read your question and understand your concern.
Ears are not affected by Bells palsy. Rarely hyperacusia may be caused by Bells palsy but it gets better with time, when the nerve regenerates. The abrupt onset is typical for afrigora palsy or idiopathic. It may be viral or just an irritation of the nerve by physical factors. Tumors cause gradual palsy. So I would say that this would be very exceptional in this case. If other symptoms like numbness or gait problems develop I would recommend a brain MRI to rule out any other cerebral lesions.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes Dr. Abaz
I read your question and understand your concern.
Ears are not affected by Bells palsy. Rarely hyperacusia may be caused by Bells palsy but it gets better with time, when the nerve regenerates. The abrupt onset is typical for afrigora palsy or idiopathic. It may be viral or just an irritation of the nerve by physical factors. Tumors cause gradual palsy. So I would say that this would be very exceptional in this case. If other symptoms like numbness or gait problems develop I would recommend a brain MRI to rule out any other cerebral lesions.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes Dr. Abaz
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