
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Bell's palsy historical perspective
Introduction
Overview
Overview
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).
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Discovery
- 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.
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
- 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).
References
References
- ↑ Sajadi MM, Sajadi MR, Tabatabaie SM (2011). “The history of facial palsy and spasm: Hippocrates to Razi”. Neurology. 77 (2): 174–8. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182242d23. PMC 3140075. PMID 21747074.
- ↑ Grzybowski A, Kaufman MH (2007). “Sir Charles Bell (1774-1842): contributions to neuro-ophthalmology”. Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 85 (8): 897–901. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0420.2007.00972.x. PMID 17680840.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]
