Bell's palsy: One Loyola patient's story

Audrey Rex talks about how she noticed the onset of Bell's palsy.. At first she was having trouble pronouncing 'b' and 'p,' and soon lost her ability to smile. After six months she had no movement on one side of her face. She met with Dr. John Leonetti, director of Cranial Base Surgery at Loyola and a well-renowned Bell's palsy specialist. Dr. Leonetti explains how Bell's palsy, or idiopathic facial paralysis, causes acute facial paralysis on one side of the face. It is thought to be caused by a virus. The nerve swells within its bony sleeve and paralyzes itself. Audrey had the surgery to remove the bony sleeve, which relieved pressure on the nerve. She soon started to recover movement in her face. She met with a therapist to improve her muscle function. Her motivation has paid off. Audrey has recovered beautifully. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit https://www.loyolamedicine.org/find-a... or call 888-584-7888.