Q. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The right-hand side of my face dropped and I was unable to close my eye. I was given steroids, followed by antibiotics, and told that the problem would get better with time. It did eventually improve but my eye has become lazy and keeps closing of its own accord. Would acupuncture, Botox or anything else help?
ID, Mid Glamorgan
A. Bell's palsy is an acute paralysis of the main facial nerve, possibly triggered by the herpes virus. Neither of the options you mention is likely to help and you may well simply need more time for the symptoms to lessen. Most sufferers make a full recovery within nine months and you can be assured that steroidal treatment is the best current option.
People who still have significant paralysis after nine months can be referred to a plastic surgeon for reconstructive facial surgery. You will need to be neurologically assessed first to see if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant this.
Q. I suffer severe testicular pain that was diagnosed as epididymitis and, as a result, my epididymis was removed. The pain has returned, along with bladder problems. A check showed my prostate is also enlarged. Are these symptoms linked?
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BT, Cork, Ireland
A. This is highly likely. Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, the tubular part of the testicle interior. It's extremely painful and can take a long time to clear, even if the infection has been treated. Removal of the epididymis is rare and it sounds as if even this drastic step has not resolved your problem.
Your urinary symptoms and test results indicate you may be suffering from prostatitis, where the prostate gland becomes inflamed. Strong antibiotics often ease this but recovery can take months. See a specialist right away to ensure you are receiving the best treatment.
Q. Should I routinely give paracetamol to my children after their vaccinations?
SB, Radlett, Hertfordshire
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A. No. Many people give their children paracetamol after every immunisation to guard against possible fever. But this may reduce the effectiveness of the innoculation. A recent study found that children who had been given paracetamol after a jab had a significantly lower level of antibodies in their blood, which is what provides the immunity. The reason is unclear.
Current NHS advice is that paracetamol should not be routinely given to children after immunisations. That said, if a child does develop a mild fever, a dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can safely help to reduce it.
Write, with your initials and home town, to drknow@sunday-times.co.uk. Questions are answered by a practising doctor