/sci/ - Science & Math

>>12451123
Bell's Palsy is caused by Herpes. A viral flare up inflames and deadens the facial nerves.
>Patients experience inflammation because of reactivated HSV causing mechanical compression and possible demyelination and ischemia of the facial (seventh cranial) nerve in the geniculate ganglion. This results in paralysis of all the muscles involved in facial expression on the affected side of the face. The seventh cranial nerve innervates the salivary and lacrimal glands and is involved with taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/bells-palsy-to-treat-or-not-to-treat

Standard treatment is herp anti-virals (valaciclovir) and steroid anti-inflams.