Bronze Medal Winning Pistol Shooter Prakash Nanjappa Develops Sudden Onset of Facial Paralysis During 4th Leg of Competition in Spain
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) July 22, 2013 -- In an article published July 9th to the Times of India, it was made public that world cup pistol shooter Prakash Nanjappa became stricken with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis, during competition in Granada, Spain just days ago. According to world-renowned Bell’s palsy expert Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, and Director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, the condition should resolve on it’s own in a matter of months.
“Bell’s palsy is a unique form of facial paralysis in that it can seemingly appear out of thin air and is caused by a virus. As quickly as it comes, it can disappear, though it is best to undergo an initial bout of steroids and antivirals to help speed recovery,” said Dr. Azizzadeh, facial paralysis specialist. “In most cases, Bell’s palsy goes away in a matter of months.”
After initial reports that Nanjappa was suffering from cerebral palsy, it became apparent that Bell’s palsy was to blame after being examined by a specialist who noted a slight droop on the right side of his face along with the inability to fully close his right eye. Bell's palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that a thorough evaluation must rule out other causes of paralysis to ensure other serious issues are not present. As Dr. Azizzadeh describes, these are both tell tale symptoms of Bell’s palsy.
“Before complete onset of Bell’s palsy, a person may or may not notice a slight tingling sensation in one side of their face. Shortly after, the affected side can start to develop a droop caused by muscle lax, even affecting the eyes as in the case of Prafash Nanjappa,” said Dr. Azizzadeh.
At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, Dr. Azizzadeh treats patients from around the world who are experiencing both temporary Bell’s palsy and permanent facial paralysis. Initially, a combination of non-invasive treatments can be undergone to create improved facial symmetry while waiting for Bell’s palsy to go away on its own.
“I’ve had tremendous success treating Bell’s palsy patients with Botox. Botox actually causes the paralyzed muscles to relax and drift upward, bringing improved balance and less of a facial droop. Should a patient experience permanent facial paralysis, surgical treatments including nerve transplant procedures usually bring the best results in facial reanimation,” Said Dr. Azizzadeh, facial paralysis doctor.
Dr. Azizzadeh is trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Head & Neck Surgery, giving him a distinctive insight into facial nerve function and facial aesthetics. Dr. Azizzadeh also has extensive training in microsurgical facial reconstruction, which is often required for the treatment of people who are born with facial paralysis. He is also the director of the USC Facial Plastic Fellowship Program, and the director of the world renowned Cedars-Sinai Advances in Multispecialty Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium.
For more information regarding the various types of Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis surgeries offered at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, please contact Dr.Azizzadeh today by calling (310) 657-2203 or visit: http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com.
Risa Luksa, The Facial Paralysis Institute, http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com/, 310-657-2203, [email protected]
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