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Posted 8/4/2009 12:18 PM (GMT -5)
We have a friend who was just diagnosed with Bell's Palsy.  One side of his mouth is drooping.  There is also some confusion and disorientation happening to him.  He lives in a wooded area and keeps beehives as a hobby.  He does not recall being bitten and does not have a bull's eye or rash.  He did have vomiting and sweats. 

 His doc put him on prednisone and did do a lyme test.   What are your thoughts on his treatment and what are the chances that this is lyme?

Posted 8/4/2009 12:48 PM (GMT -5)
I am sorry to hear about your friend. It very well could be Lyme. At least his Dr. was willing to test him for it. Has he received any of the test results yet? A lot of Lyme positive folks did not have the Bull's Eye rash, I didn't. I do have history of tick bites. But a lot of people do not remember getting bitten either.
Posted 8/4/2009 1:32 PM (GMT -5)

Hi Anne.  How long has he had symptoms?  To me it sounds like he has more going on than just Bell's Palsy. Many people are bitten without knowing it, and only about 50% of people who have Lyme ever get a rash.   I think he should be evaluated by a Lyme knowledgeable doctor to rule out or confirm Lyme.

Please know that steroids are not good for people who have Lyme.  They suppress the immune system and can make Lyme symptoms worse.

 

Posted 8/4/2009 2:08 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Anne,

It is my understanding that if the Bell's Palsy is caused by a virus, then doctors are supposed to give the proper antiviral drug within the first 48 hours---the sooner the better from onset of symptoms----in order for the drug to do any good. The antiviral drug can really help lessen the symptoms and duration. I hope your friend was offered this type of treatment. My niece was in her early twenties when this happened, and she had the viral treatment drug and recovered completely and fairly quickly. My sister didn't get the med as soon as she should have and her symptoms lasted a long time. She was left with a little permanent damage. Another friend of ours was not treated at all for his Bell's Palsy many years ago when he was in college and his damage was more severe and permanent. My dad had this when he was young and he dd not get treatment and recovered just fine. I guess we are all different and have different immune systems. I hope your friend recovers quickly.

Are the doctos sure your friend did not have a stroke? His symptoms of confusion/disorientation fit stoke better than the palsy. Stroke symptoms are best treated right away also for best results. I hope your friend was not misdiagnosed. A stroke can also cause the drooping face.

Best wishes to you and your friend, bablymers mom
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