In an interview with "Vanity Fair US", Angelina Jolie says she suffers from Bell's paralysis.
In France, this peripheral facial paralysis is better known as idiopathic or frigorous paralysis.
Symptoms, causes, treatments ... We take stock of the characteristics of this pathology suffered by the star, currently promoting his new film, "First They Killed My Father."
What is Bell's palsy?
It is a facial cranial nerve disorder, whose mission is to control the movements of the face. When damaged, it causes sudden weakness or paralysis of part of the facial muscles.
Impressive, it occurs overnight, with no warning signs, and can be reminiscent of a stroke. Fortunately, its long-term consequences are not as serious.
What are the symptoms ?
The most obvious sign is facial paralysis on one side of the face. However, it can affect both sides in the most extreme cases (but which remain rare).
Bell's palsy can also be manifested by:
- A difficulty to smile, to close the eye on the weak / paralyzed side (accompanied by dry eye).
- Pain in the jaw and in or behind the ear.
- Difficulty hearing sounds on the side touched.
- A sagging face.
Treatments
Eye care (moistening of the cornea by artificial tears, protection of the eye) and taking corticosteroids allow, for some, to treat the dryness of the eye that no longer closes, and for others, d 'improve recovery.
Herpes, one of the main causes of paralysis has frigated
At the origin of this disease, a viral infection by herpes simplex virus (causing herpes labialis) or zoster (responsible for viruses of chicken pox and shingles), which causes inflammation of the nerve.
Diabetics, pregnant women, people with the influenza virus, upper respiratory tract diseases or those with cold sores are more likely to be affected.
Is it permanent?
In 80% of cases, the paralysis dissipates after a few weeks or months spontaneously.
In case of partial healing, the following symptoms may persist: asymmetric smile, abnormal blinking, drooling, taste and speech disturbances,
