The chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel Dr Nelson Makanda has opened up about his health scare and Bell’s Palsy diagnosis.
Speaking about his ordeal during an interview with NTV’s Fixing the Nation, he revealed that the condition hit him on November 17 morning.
At first, he thought it was a minor reaction to the cold he had been having, but strange symptoms soon made him suspect something more serious.
Worried, he took a photo of himself and used an AI tool to check his symptoms.
“I was nursing a cold and when I went to the bathroom, I noticed that soap was getting into my eye when I showered. I also went to brush my teeth, and I thought I was stroking. So, I quickly took a photo and asked AI what this was,” he said.
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The diagnosis
The AI results indicated that he was suffering from Bell’s Palsy, a neurological disorder that causes sudden temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.
However, despite his fears, he went to church the same day. When he got home, he told his wife who then took him to the hospital.
Dr Makanda explained that a doctor confirmed that he had Bell’s Palsy and told him that it was only a temporary condition, that would likely clear up in six months.
“He said that the condition was not permanent, and it ended within 6 months. I asked whether I needed a sick off and the doctor recommended that I continue with normal activities,” added the IEBC selection panel chairman.
“The doctor explained that a nerve in my face had swollen up, probably because of a viral infection, tooth issue or ear infection. Since I had a cold, I was more likely to have gotten it from that,” he added.
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What is Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a rare condition that affects about 1 in 5,000 people. It can develop overnight and cold exposure or sleeping position can trigger the inflammation.
“So, there is a central nerve on the face that got inflamed either because you have a viral infection, a tooth infection or an ear infection. At that time I had a cold, so that is why. It happens 1 in 5000 people,”
“It may commonly happen at night because you expose yourself to the cold, or something is happening with the way you sleep,” he explained.
However, the exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it is often linked to viral infections, such as herpes simplex (which causes cold sores).
Other potential triggers include stress, immune system issues, or diabetes.
Most people recover fully within three to six months, though some may experience lingering effects, and the treatment involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antiviral medications in some cases, and physical therapy to help muscle recovery.
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