Seventh cranial nerve paralysis
Known as Bell’s palsy, this is paralysis of the facial nerve, the nerve that supplies the facial muscles on one side of the face. The cause of Bell’s palsy is not known, but it is thought to be related to a virus (or to various viruses). Bell’s palsy typically starts suddenly and causes paralysis of the muscles of the side of the face on which the facial nerve is affected. (The facial nerve is also known as the 7th cranial nerve). The treatment of Bell’s palsy is directed toward protecting the eye on the affected side from dryness during sleep. Massage of affected muscles can reduce soreness. Sometimes prednisone is given to reduce inflammation during the first weeks of illness. The prognosis (outlook) of Bell’s palsy is generally good. About 80 percent of patients recover within weeks to months. Conversely, about 20% of patients do less well. The condition was originally described in 1830 by the Scottish anatomist and neurologist Sir Charles Bell (1774- 1842). The word “palsy” is a corruption (and contracture) of the French word “paralysie” which means “paralysis.”
Read Also:
- Sever condition
Inflammation of the growth plate of the calcaneus, the bone at the back of the heel. The inflammation is at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches. Sever condition occurs mainly in adolescent or older children, particularly active boys. It can be very painful. It is one of those conditions often dismissed as “growing pains”. […]
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome
dry cough; shortness of breath; chest pain when coughing or breathing; diarrhea; sore throat; runny nose. A specific blood test for SARS does not exist. Most people who get SARS need to go to the hospital and it can be fatal. Currently there are no specific anti-viral medications that are effective against SARS. See your […]
- Severe combined immunodeficiency disease
X-linked SCID, the most common type, a genetic flaw damages molecules that allow T cells and B cells to receive signals from crucial growth factors. ADA deficiency results from the lack of an enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA) that helps cells, especially immune cells, to get rid of toxic byproducts. Without ADA, poisons build up […]
- Severe congenital neutropenia
One of several genetic disorders of the bone marrow that is evident at birth and characterized by a lack of neutrophils (a type of white blood cells that are important in fighting infection). Children with severe congenital neutropenia suffer from frequent bacterial (but not viral or fungal) infections. They are also at increased risk for […]
- Sex before sports
“Athletes when sluggish are revitalized by lovemaking.” In fact, sex does not impair an athlete’s performance, as proved by treadmill tests before and after intercourse. And perhaps in keeping with Pliny’s observation, lovemaking raises testosterone levels in men. Whether it truly revitalizes them is unproven.