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WWE NXT UK star Piper Niven suffering from Bell’s palsy

By Joe Anthony Myrick

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 12: (L-R) Mae Young Classic contestants Candice LaRae, Mercedes Martinez, Piper Niven and Toni Storm appear on the red carpet of the WWE Mae Young Classic on September 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for WWE)
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 12: (L-R) Mae Young Classic contestants Candice LaRae, Mercedes Martinez, Piper Niven and Toni Storm appear on the red carpet of the WWE Mae Young Classic on September 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for WWE) /
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Piper Niven, who regularly competes on WWE’s NXT UK roster, is currently suffering from a bout of Bell’s palsy away from the ring.

It was around this time last year when we learned that Piper Niven (better known as simply Viper on the independent scene) had signed a contract with the WWE. Almost a year later, as of earlier this week, Niven was announced along with Toni Storm to be challenging Kay Lee Ray for her NXT UK Women’s Championship in a triple threat title match at TakeOver: Blackpool II next month.

Before we get there, however, Niven has a different battle to focus on and that is a serious, real life battle with Bell’s palsy.

The former ICW Women’s Champion revealed the news just a few hours ago in a tweet accompanied by a photo that appeared to be taken from a hospital bed. Granted, she was in good spirits enough to make light of her situation with jokes in a series of tweets.

https://twitter.com/viperpiperniven/status/1205406167117258752

For those less familiar with the condition, Bell’s palsy (as defined by Mayo Clinic) is a “sudden, temporary weakness in your facial tissue,” causing a drooping appearance on half of your face. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but the general belief is that it’s associated with a swelling or inflammation to the nerves that control the muscles on one side of your face.

Signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy often include a sudden (even if mild) paralysis of the face, facial drooping, pain around the jaw, headaches, drooling, sudden inability to taste, changes in the amount of tears and saliva you can produce and an increased sensitivity to sound.

If you or anyone you know suddenly feel any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a doctor as soon as possible, especially if you feel any type of paralysis because that could lead to a stroke.

No matter how young (Niven is 28-years old) or old you are, Bell’s palsy can affect anyone at any age. The most prominent name in wrestling to have Bell’s palsy is AEW commentator, Jim Ross.

There is currently no definitive cure for Bell’s palsy, but the condition is often treated with steroids (reduces the inflammation), antiviral medication like acyclovir, moist heat to relieve pain, and physical therapy to stimulate the nerves.

Next. NWA needs to take action, responsibility for Jim Cornette’s remarks airing. dark

For now at least, we wish Niven a speedy recovery during her treatment process.

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