Bell, Sir Charles
(bel) Scottish physiologist and surgeon, 1774–1842.
Bell law
, Bell-Magendie lawThe fact that anterior spinal nerve roots contain only motor fibers and posterior roots only sensory fibers.
Synonym: law of MagendieBell nerve
Long thoracic nerve; nervus thoracicus longus.


BELL PALSY: Asymmetrical smile in patient with Bell Palsy
Bell palsy
Paralysis of the facial nerve. Bell palsy is usually caused by a reactivation of herpes simplex virus although other infections (such as syphilis or Lyme disease) are sometimes implicated. Complications may include corneal drying and ulceration and mild dysarthria. Either side of the face may be affected. Attacks recur in about 10% of cases. Synonym:
Bell paralysisfacial palsy;
facial nerve palsy;
facial nerve paralysis;
facial paralysisSymptoms
Paralysis of the facial nerve typically results in an asymmetrical facial appearance. The affected patient is unable to raise one side of the mouth to smile or to wrinkle or raise the eyebrow on the same side. This peripheral nerve dysfunction is distinguished from strokes that alter facial movement by the involvement of both the forehead and the mouth. Paralysis of the face caused by strokes usually only limits movement of the oral muscles. See: illustration
Treatment
Tapering doses of prednisone without antiviral drugs provide the most effective results. In addition, the affected eye should be protected from drying with artificial tears or unmedicated ointments. Some practitioners advise wearing sunglasses during the palsy or patching the eye to protect it from foreign bodies or drying.
Prognosis
Partial facial paralysis is usually resolved within several months. The likelihood of complete recovery after total paralysis varies from 20% to 90%.
Bell paralysis
Bell palsy.Bell phenomenon
Rolling of the eyeball upward and outward when an attempt is made to close the eye on the side of the face affected in peripheral facial paralysis.
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
Bell,
Sir Charles, Scottish surgeon, anatomist, and physiologist, 1774-1842. Bell-Magendie law - Synonym(s):
Bell law Bell palsy - paresis or paralysis, usually unilateral, of the facial muscles, caused by dysfunction of the 7th cranial nerve. Synonym(s): peripheral facial paralysis
Bell phenomenon - upward movement of the eye on attempted eyelid closure in a patient with peripheral facial paralysis.
Bell respiratory nerve - Synonym(s): long thoracic nerve
Bell spasm - involuntary twitching of the facial muscles. Synonym(s): facial tic
external respiratory nerve of Bell - Synonym(s): long thoracic nerve
Medical Eponyms © Farlex 2012