Stem Cell Therapy for Bell’s Palsy

Key Takeaways

• Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition that leads to partial facial paralysis.
• Symptoms commonly affect one side of the face, including drooping, drooling, and trouble closing the left or right eyelid.
• Conventional treatments include steroids and other medications to reduce inflammation, but partial paralysis may persist.
• Facial nerve stem cell therapy improves patient outcomes by repairing damaged nerve tissue.

The face is one of the main ways we communicate, and facial paralysis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to complete routine tasks or express emotions. Patients may also feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to depression and poor mental health (Nellis et al., 2017). Medications and physical therapy can temporarily relieve symptoms, but stem cell therapy for Bell’s Palsy can help regenerate damaged nerve tissue, increasing the chances of a full recovery.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is a disease in which the facial muscles suddenly weaken or become paralyzed. It occurs when the facial nerve that controls facial expression is damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and the face. The condition is the leading cause of facial paralysis and is most common among those ages 15 to 45 (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023).

Causes and Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may be permanent or temporary. They include:

• Paralysis on one or both sides of the face
• Facial muscle drooping
• Loss of control on one side of the mouth
• Drooling
• Dry mouth
• Inability to close one eyelid
• Dry or excessive tears in the affected eye

Most cases only affect one side of the face, and symptoms often appear suddenly over several days before gradually healing over the next few weeks.

The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown, and the relationship between the brain and the rest of the body is complex. However, the facial nerve is highly susceptible to damage and can be affected by problems with other organ systems. Swelling around the facial nerve may cause symptoms, but the cause of the inflammation is unclear (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023).

Possible causes and related conditions include:

• Trauma or injury to the facial nerve
• A viral infection causing inflammation, such as Lyme disease
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and upper respiratory illness
• Pregnancy and preeclampsia
• Immune disorders
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity

Long-Term Complications and Facial Nerve Damage

While approximately 75% of patients heal spontaneously, the disease can lead to permanent nerve damage, with 25% of patients experiencing moderate to severe facial asymmetry or paralysis long-term (Prud’hon & Kubis, 2019).

Severe or prolonged facial paralysis can also make it difficult to complete routine tasks, reducing independence and a person’s quality of life.

Additional complications include:

• Trouble swallowing or eating
• Facial deformities
• Sensitivity to sound
• Pain around the affected areas
• Poor sense of taste

Why Stem Cell Therapy for Bell’s Palsy?

Common Treatments for Bell’s Palsy

The disease is commonly treated with oral steroids or antiviral medications to reduce swelling around the facial nerve shortly after symptoms appear. However, some people do not respond to these treatments.

Sometimes, patients may need to wear eye protection or undergo surgery to help the affected eye close. They may also need to lubricate the eye to keep it moist regularly. Physical therapy is often prescribed to those for whom conventional treatments do not work, leaving individuals to manage their symptoms.

Stem Cells and Nerve Regeneration

Stem cells can drastically improve outcomes in Bell’s Palsy patients by reducing inflammation around the facial nerve and regenerating damaged tissue. When injected intravenously, they help regulate the immune system and signal repair in various cell types before the body disposes of them naturally.

Different types of stem cells can be used to treat Bell’s Palsy. Adult stem cells, or mesenchymal stem cells, are multipotent and can signal repair in six to eight cell types. They are derived from the umbilical cord, bone marrow, fatty tissue, and placental tissue and have limited medical capabilities based on differentiation.

Embryonic stem cells are younger and pluripotent. They signal repair in over 220 cell types and have a wider range of medical applications. These stem cells are derived from donated blastocysts, or early-stage embryos.

Benefits Over Traditional Treatments (Steroids, PT)

Due to their regenerative capabilities, stem cells can help restore facial nerve function, helping patients find permanent relief from their symptoms. They have no adverse side effects and can make physical therapy more effective by reducing inflammation and muscle movement.

In one case, a patient who had suffered facial paralysis for seven years was cured after receiving mesenchymal stem cell therapy (Ahn et al., 2023).

Our Stem Cell Treatment Protocol in Mexico

Stemaid Institute is a leading stem cell therapy provider for Bell’s Palsy. Learn about the nerve regeneration therapy process and how it can improve your quality of life.

Stem Cell Source and Processing

We ethically source embryonic stem cells and culture them onsite at our laboratory. We do not freeze stem cells and only use fresh samples to maximize their healing properties. Every treatment is unique based on the symptoms and health history. The process is tailored to your body using a minimally invasive skin biopsy.

Injection Procedure and Safety

The stem cells are injected intravenously in a safe, clean environment with the highest medical standards. Your provider will oversee the procedure and monitor your progress and your body’s reaction to ensure it has the intended effect.

Recovery Timeline and Patient Journey

While each case is unique, most patients experience a dramatic reduction in inflammation within the first few weeks of treatment. With regular injections, your body will regenerate healthy nerve tissue as you gradually regain control of the facial muscles.

Stem Cell Therapy Cost in Mexico

Mexico has emerged as the world’s leading destination for stem cell therapy. It offers affordable, safe healthcare and cutting-edge procedures pending approval in other countries while complying with the latest industry regulations and standards.

Cost Comparison with U.S. & Europe

Stem cell therapy costs vary depending on where they are cultured and administered, and the number of injections needed. Treatments in Mexico range from $1,000 to $1,500 per injection, while those in the U.S. and Europe can cost $5,000 to $10,000 per injection.

What’s Included in Your Treatment Plan

Each plan varies based on the condition and symptom severity. A Bell’s Palsy treatment plan at Stemaid Institute typically includes 20 IVs of fresh embryonic stem cells, plurisomes, peptides, chelation, ozone therapy, and massage to promote additional healing.

Does Insurance cover it?

Insurers do not typically cover stem cell therapy for Bell’s Palsy. We can help you assess the full costs of treatment based on your situation.

FAQs About Bell’s Palsy and Stem Cells

What causes Bell’s Palsy, and how is it typically treated? 

The underlying cause is unclear, but it is associated with inflammation and damage to the facial nerve. Viral infections, chronic conditions, and traumatic injury can lead to facial paralysis.

Can stem cell therapy repair facial nerve damage from Bell’s Palsy? 

Stem cell therapy has been shown to repair facial nerve damage and cure Bell’s Palsy. It regulates the immune system to reduce inflammation and promotes healing in the facial nerve.

How effective is stem cell treatment for Bell’s Palsy? 

Stem cell therapy is the most effective treatment for Bell’s Palsy. It improves patient outcomes and accelerates the recovery timeline.

How many sessions are needed for visible improvement? 

Most patients experience relief from their symptoms within the first two weeks. The number of sessions needed varies based on the patient’s health and condition.

Is stem cell therapy safe for nerve conditions like Bell’s Palsy? 

Stem cell therapy for Bell’s Palsy is safe and has no known side effects. The quality of care is held to similar standards as those in the U.S. Our providers are licensed and will address your questions and concerns to ensure peace of mind.

What type of stem cells are used at Stemaid Institute? 

We only use fresh, ethically sourced embryonic stem cells from donated blastocysts. These cells have the most healing properties and can signal repair in more cell types than adult stem cells. They don’t require surgery to extract and are tailored to the patient via a skin biopsy.

How soon can I travel after receiving stem cell injections? 

You can travel after treatment is completed. At the end of the last session, your provider will review your condition and recovery progress to ensure you are well enough to return home.

Are there side effects of stem cell injections for nerve regeneration? 

No, there are no significant side effects for stem cell therapy.

Schedule Your Consultation

A new life is waiting. You can find lasting relief from your symptoms and regain your ability to close your eyes, eat, drink, or express yourself. Contact us for a free consultation today to restore facial function.

Sources:

Ahn, H., Jung, W.-J., Sang Yeon Lee, & Lee, K.-H. (2023). Recovery from Bell’s palsy after treatment using uncultured umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report. World Journal of Clinical  Cases, 11(12), 2817–2824. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v11.i12.2817

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023, February 7). Bell’s Palsy. www.ninds.nih.gov. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy

Nellis, J. C., Ishii, M., Byrne, P. J., Boahene, K. D. O., Dey, J. K., & Ishii, L. E. (2017). Association Among Facial Paralysis, Depression, and Quality of Life in Facial Plastic Surgery Patients. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 19(3), 190. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2016.1462

Prud’hon, S., & Kubis, N. (2019). La paralysie faciale périphérique a frigore. La Revue de Médecine Interne, 40(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revmed.2018.03.011