Avri Gilad Suffers Bell's Palsy; Doctor Suggests Flu Shot as Possible Cause

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Hebrew · 10 newsrooms covering

Israeli host Avri Gilad has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, affecting half of his face. While Gilad initially blamed excessive gum chewing, his doctor suggested a recent flu shot or the flu itself as potential causes. Despite the condition, Gilad returned to host his television program, stating that addressing reality is more important.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Host Avri Gilad revealed he has Bell's palsy, causing paralysis on one side of his face.
Gilad's doctor disputes his theory that gum chewing caused the facial paralysis.
The treating physician suggested a recent flu shot or the flu itself as possible causes.
Despite his condition, Gilad returned to host his current affairs program.
Gilad stated his decision to broadcast was to address a "more crooked" reality.

Avri Gilad Suffers Bell's Palsy; Doctor Suggests Flu Shot as Possible Cause — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israeli host Avri Gilad revealed on Friday that he has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, causing paralysis on one side of his face. Gilad initially attributed the condition to his habit of chewing gum for extended periods, suggesting it caused inflammation of the facial nerve. However, his treating physician, Dr. Tal Kaufman Goldberg, disputed this explanation, stating that gum chewing cannot cause such paralysis. She advised him to be cautious while eating on the affected side to avoid biting his cheek.

Dr. Kaufman Goldberg proposed an alternative theory, suggesting that the paralysis might be linked to a flu vaccination Gilad received approximately three weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. She noted that the flu itself could also be a cause. While a connection between the vaccine and the paralysis is possible, it has not been definitively established as the cause in Gilad's case.

Despite the visible facial paralysis, Gilad decided to continue hosting his current affairs program, "Avri and Shariki," alongside journalist Yair Shariki. He addressed his viewers, stating his intention to return to broadcasting, explaining that while his "face is crooked, reality is more crooked, and we need to deal with it to straighten it out."