Bell's Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition that occurs when there is temporary facial paralysis because of damage or trauma to the facial nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for making the muscles on one side of the face move, such as when smiling or frowning. When the function of the facial nerve is disrupted, is causes facial weakness or paralysis.

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy are different in each person. It’s possible to have only mild weakness or total paralysis. Common symptoms include:

• Twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one or both sides of the face
• Drooping of the eyelid
• Drooling
• Dryness of the eye or mouth
• Loss of taste
• Excessive tearing in one eye
• Persistent headache
• Pain or discomfort
• Ringing in one or both ears
• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Difficulty eating or drinking

If you are experiencing symptoms that are similar to those of Bell’s palsy, see your healthcare provider as possible. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy are similar to symptoms of other medical conditions such as a stroke. Testing may be needed to confirm or rule out Bell’s palsy.

Bell’s palsy is caused by a swollen, inflamed, or compressed facial nerve. Doctors don’t exactly know what causes the swelling, but it may be related to other health conditions, such as:

• Viral meningitis
• Influenza
• Chronic middle ear infections
• Lyme disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Tumors
• Injuries
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Sarcoidosis
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Your healthcare provider will first rule out other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. He or she may also order tests to confirm or rule out Bell’s palsy. These tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for other medical conditions
• Electromyography (EMG) to find out if there is damage to a facial nerve
• Imaging tests such as a Computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to determine if there is another reason for your symptoms

Mild cases of Bell’s palsy may not require any treatment. The symptoms may go away on their own in a few weeks and not cause any long-term problems. For more server or complicated cases, the treatment will depend on the symptoms and your overall health. Common treatment options may include:

• Corticosteroids to bring down the swelling
• Other anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling
• Other medicines to treat possible viral causes
• Physical therapy
• Eye drops
• Acupuncture and/or facial massage
• Surgery (rare)

There isn’t any known way to prevent Bell’s palsy.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Bell’s palsy is a condition that occurs when there is temporary facial paralysis because of damage or trauma to the facial nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for making the muscles on one side of the face move, such as when smiling or frowning. When the function of the facial nerve is disrupted, is causes facial weakness or paralysis.

Bell's palsy usually develops over one to three days, and then slowly improves. It is most common in adults in their 40s, but it can happen at any age.