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Question
Hello, My wife has Bell's Palsy and I was reading an artical that said that people normally look no further than a neurologist for help and that a lot of times an otolaryngologist has further beneficial iformation about Bell's Palsy. My wife got the palsy around her 32nd week of pregnancy and has had it for about 4 months now. She does not really show any signs of progression. Do you know of anything that she could do or any medications she could ask the doctor about?
Hi Kraigg,
Even without treatment, Bell's Palsy usually resolves within six months. However, there is something very similar to Bell's Palsy known as Ramsey-Hunt syndrome which can affect the ear and the auditory nerve as well, causing dizziness and hearing loss. One of the characteristic signs is blisters in the ear. This is why an otolaryngologist is an important professional to consult in cases of Bell's Palsy. RHS is caused by a virus and treatment would include anti-virals. Here is some information about RHS: http://www.bellspalsy.ws/cause.htm#ramseyhunt
This site is wonderful, reliable, and should give you the information you are looking for.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
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Answers by Expert:
Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.
Expertise
I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.
Experience
I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.
Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, -
American Speech Language Hearing Association, -
Hearing Loss Association of America
Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000.
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology)
Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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