Avenue Acupuncture FAQs

Studies show patients with Bell’s Palsy have shown significant improvement with acupuncture, especially when used alongside drug therapy. Acupuncture may help by reducing inflammation, enhancing local micro-circulation, and stimulating the affected nerves.

The specific cause isn’t completely understood, but it’s believed to be due to swelling or inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve linked to exposure to certain viruses, most commonly herpes simplex, along with viruses responsible for mononucleosis, rubella, mumps, and influenza.

Bell’s Palsy always affects both the lower and upper face (including the forehead and eyebrow), while stroke often spares the upper face. Arm or leg weakness, confusion, and difficulty with balance or walking are never seen in Bell’s Palsy but are common in stroke, so it’s important to consult a doctor for a full diagnosis.

Bell’s Palsy is a relatively sudden and temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. Symptoms typically come on without warning over a 48 hour period, peak, and take several weeks to recede, with full recovery often taking about 6 months.