Angelu de Leon reveals having Bell's Palsy twice
Kapuso star Angelu de Leon recently shared many details about her life to Tunay na Buhay host Pia Arcangel: from how she started out in showbiz, to her love for badminton, and many others.
But most notable among Angelu's stories was the one about her health. She explained that she got into badminton because she wanted to be healthy, after having had Bell's Palsy twice.
Fortunately, Angelu has recovered from Bell's Palsy, and is now living a healthier lifestyle.
Bell's Palsy, also called facial palsy, happens when the muscles on one side of the face become weak or paralyzed, and causes it to droop or be stiff.
The exact cause of Bell's Palsy is still unknown, but it occurs when the seventh cranial nerve is damaged and becomes swollen or compressed. This causes a weakness in facial muscles.
According to Healthline, many medical researchers believe that viral infections may trigger the development of Bell's Palsy.
Signs and symptoms
The most common tell-tale sign of Bell's Palsy is the drooping appearance on side of the face. One may also experience the inability to open or close the eye on the affected side of the face, just like what happened to Angelu. Bell's Palsy can be easily confused with a stroke because of the facial droop on one side of the face. So here are all the signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Facial droop and inability to make facial expressions
- Inability to close your eyelid or blink
- Drooling
- Having difficulty eating and drinking
- Twitching of facial muscles
- Pain or numbness around the jaw or behind the ear on the affected side
- Headache
- Decreased sense of taste
- Changes in the amount of saliva or tears your body produces
- Sensitivity to sound
Treatment
Most of the time, Bell's Palsy symptoms will resolve on their own. But if your doctor finds that your symptoms are likely caused by a viral infection, then he may prescribe you antiviral medication. He may also suggest you take anti-inflammatory and pain reliever meds, and may also advise you to use eye drops.
Since the cause Bell's Palsy is yet to be discovered, there are no specific and certain steps to prevent it. Just like what Angelu said, living a healthier lifestyle and strengthening our immune system is the best way to avoid it.
