Had Bells Palsy Symptoms, Thought To Be Sinus Issue. Recovering From Upper Respiratory Infection And One Side Paralysis

Posted on Thu, 19 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 Answered on

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : i've had Bells Palsy symptoms for almost a week now and my GP failed to recognize the symptoms, he thought it was a sinus issue, which it's not. I was recovering from a severe upper respiratory infection. Would seeing a neurologist be of any benefit now? The severe ear and left side head pain is subsiding but I have numbness and left side paralysis (can't raise eyebrows or smile). My Dr finally prescribed Tramadol and Meloxicam. Tramadol didn't help with pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir,

Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that it is definitely helpful and recommendable to you see a neurologist immediately . May be course of antibiotic will also be given to you .

It is also possible that you may had facial nerve palsy secondary to upper respiratory infection rather than having bells palsy . It will have to be determined that what is the cause . Plus neurophysiotherapy is very essential for recovery .

So I will advise you to consult a neurologist immediately .

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (15 minutes later)

Thus far, there are no neurologists that have openings before next week. I have an appointment with an ENT Monday because my Dr originally thought this to be a sinus issue, but I don't think an ENT can help with palsy, or can they?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes .

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for reverting back .

Definitely an ENT specialist can be of help to you . They are quite experienced in dealing with facial palsy as they frequently encounter such cases.I think he will be able to help you .

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar