Bell's Palsy is named after a Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who lived in the 19th century and who first recognized the disease. The main symptom of Bell's Palsy is damage to one of the facial nerves, resulting in a temporary paralysis of the face. This symptom of Bell's Palsy usually effects only one side of the face, and rarely both sides. The paralysis will occur suddenly, and damage will be apparent within two days.

What are other symptoms of Bell's Palsy, besides paralysis? Some examples are twitching of the face, a drooping eyelid, and weakness, paralysis, or watery and teary eyes. Other existing symptoms could be dry eye, a lack of taste in the mouth, drooping of the side of the mouth, or drooling. After these symptoms of Bell's Palsy appear, they can quickly progress to a point of facial paralysis, resulting in facial distortion.

What causes the symptoms of Bell's Palsy(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Bells-Palsy.html)? Most physicians pinpoint viral infections, which could come in different forms; for example, cold sore viruses (herpes simplex), or meningitis. The facial nerve becomes inflamed, swells up, and thus the symptoms of Bell's Palsy appear. Much research has been conducted about this condition by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). This organization supports research throughout the United States through grants given to medical institutions. Much of this research has been focused on the symptoms of Bell's Palsy, particularly on how nerve damage can be repaired. Understanding the symptoms of Bell's Palsy could mean that effective treatments are soon to come.

Can Bell's Palsy be alleviated naturally? One step to take with this condition is lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Currently, no medicines exist in Western medicine that can alleviate the symptoms of Bell's Palsy. There has been success in Bell's Palsy treatment(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Bells-Palsy.html), however, with Chinese traditional methods. Such Chinese traditional methods as acupuncture and cupping have been shown to have positive effects against the symptoms of Bell's Palsy. Some herbal Chinese medicines have also been shown to be effective. Horse chestnut seed, traditionally used for all kinds of pain, including rheumatism and headaches, is a natural remedy that has shown promise in the natural treatment of Bell's Palsy(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Bells-Palsy.html).

Upon first observing the symptoms of Bell's Palsy, it is very important to act quickly as symptoms can progress very rapidly. Symptoms of Bell's Palsy may be able to be minimized with medical intervention.