Nearly Half of Bell’s Palsy Patients Not Getting Recommended Treatment
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 27, 2013 -- A study recently published in the British Medical Journal states that around 44% of Bell’s palsy patients are not getting any treatment for the condition. According to Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, expert facial paralysis surgeon in Beverly Hills, Bell’s palsy patients who do not get treatment have a higher chance of developing permanent problems as a result.
"Most Bell’s palsy patients that I treat who are suffering from permanent facial paralysis and synkinesis as a result of the condition may have benefitted from immediate treatment for their Bell’s palsy. The common course of action is to administer a high dose steroid such as prednisolone and anti-viral medication and this often helps the patient have a full recovery," explained Dr. Azizzadeh.
The study looked at the cases of Bell’s palsy patients between 2001 and 2012 who were treated by a general practitioner and found that almost half did not receive any treatment for the condition. Bell’s palsy is thought to be caused by the activation of the herpes virus behind the ear and steroids and anti-viral medication can help improve recovery.
"It is sad to hear that so many patients are suffering from long-term side effects of Bell’s palsy, such as facial paralysis, synkinesis, and pain that may have been prevented with immediate treatment," said Dr. Azizzadeh, Beverly Hills facial paralysis expert.
At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, Dr. Azizzadeh treats Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis treatments with a variety of cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical techniques. Many patients experiencing long-term paralysis brought on by Bell’s palsy see a significant improvement in facial symmetry with Botox treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh can inject Botox into specific hyperactive facial muscles to relax them and improve facial balance.
"Most people with Bell’s palsy only experience temporary facial paralysis and gradually regain normal facial function, but for those who would like a non-invasive way to improve their appearance while the paralysis is present, Botox is a good option," described Dr. Babak Azizzadeh.
Since his extensive and prestigious training at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Azizzadeh has helped hundreds of people with varying degrees of facial paralysis. Dr. Azizzadeh is the director of the Facial Paralysis Institute and one of the leading figures in the field of Facial Nerve Paralysis. Dr. Azizzadeh has been recognized for his work on several occasions, and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and countless other media outlets.
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.
For more information on Bell's palsy treatment, call the Facial Paralysis Institute at (310) 657-2203.
Risa Luksa, The Facial Paralysis Institute, http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com/, 310-657-2203, [email protected]
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