My husband (age 31) was just diagnosed w/ bells palsy this morning (after a terrifying ER visit). Does anyone have any experience with this? Any hints, tips, words of sage advice?

Thank you in advance.

Hello.

My husband has had Bells since 1990. It is a facial nerve paralysis as you know. It is true that cold and spicy foods etc, even just eating can make the affected side of the face seem to "flare up". The eye can tear up, the nostril on the affected side will run, saliva will increase and can slip out the drooping side of the lip. Some people do imrove in the droopy appearance over time ( my husband did) but  the side effects are usually permenant. Nerves do not heal, but the inflammation goes down and thus the improvement. Be aware that it is important to wear a medical alert bracelet because if something else happens, and your husband is unable to pass this information to emergency medical personnel proper treatment for him can be delayed. The ER might think he's had a stroke and work that up first.

I speak from experience about this as my husband had some heart trouble start and the ER thought he had stroked and were having a neurology consult which was unnecessary. We found out that Bell's is thought to be viral in nature. We also found out that the susceptibility to it ( like so many things) is a weak immune system from stress.  Life style changes were necessary. My husband was only 44 when this happened.

If I can be of further assistance do not hesitate. Good luck.