Bell's palsy historical perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]

The first comprehensive description of Bell’s palsy was first discovered by Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī, a Persian polymath, physician, alchemist, philosopher, in 9th century, although Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon, was the first to provide the anatomic basis for the condition that bears his name in 1821. For the fiest time, Razi provided accurate descriptions of facial muscles disorders. Razi describes a clinical method for distinguishing spasm and paralysis for the first time. In 9th century, the therapy of Bell’s palsy was developed by Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī. In 1821, Sir Charles Bell described the lesions of the seventh cranial nerve produce facial paralysis. Bell described the Bell’s palsy is caused by problem of 7th cranial nerve(facial nerve).

• The first comprehensive description of Bell’s palsy was first discovered by Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī, a Persian polymath, physician, alchemist, philosopher, in 9th century, although Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon, was the first to provide the anatomic basis for the condition that bears his name in 1821.^[1]
  • For the first time, Razi provided accurate descriptions of facial muscles disorders.
  • Razi describes a clinical method for distinguishing spasm and paralysis for the first time.
  • Razi also gave the earliest description of bilateral facial palsy.

• In 9th century, the therapy of Bell’s palsy was developed by Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī.
• The treatment given by Razi was:
  • Massage until the “skin turns red,”
  • Warming oils and ointments
  • Warm compresses
  • Inhaled and intranasal medicines (emphasis on inducing sneezing)
  • Oral medications (emphasis on gargling)
  • Special diets
  • Phlebotomy
  • Application of a bandage to the distorted area to counteract the unbridled pull of the muscles
• In 1821, Sir Charles Bell described the lesions of the seventh cranial nerve produce facial paralysis.^[2]
  • Bell described the Bell’s palsy is caused by problem of 7th cranial nerve(facial nerve).

Template:WH Template:WS