Bell's Palsy
It happens suddenly when one side of your face gets weak and droopy. You think you might be having a stroke, but it's only your face, and a stroke would affect more than that. This condition is called Bells palsy, and the good news is that in most people it only lasts a few months.
We don't know what causes this paralysis, which can get worse in the first day or two, and is usually not painful. It's been associated with the virus that causes the common cold (herpes simplex), diabetes and people getting over a virus.
There is no specific treatment, and it generally (but not always) gets better.
Recently Answered
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with Bell's palsy?
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You will want to help the individual affected by Bell's palsy to follow the doctor's orders. For instance, you may need to remind the person to take their medications, practice methods to reduce pain (applying warm washcloths to the affected... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my Bell's palsy?
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Following your doctor's recommendations concerning your treatment is the best way to manage your Bell's palsy. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, and on when your Bell's palsy was diagnosed, your doctor may recommend different courses of... Full Answer
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- Q What causes Bell's palsy?
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In general, the cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. It may result from problems in the body’s immune system (its system for fighting disease). It may occur if blood flow to the nerve is blocked or constricted, or it may involve inflammation... Full Answer
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- Q How is Bell's palsy diagnosed?
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A doctor may be able to make a preliminary diagnosis of Bell's palsy by looking at the individual's face. The doctor will ask the individual to try to move the facial muscles and then will determine if nerve damage is present. Conditions, such as a... Full Answer
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- Q Who can get Bell's palsy?
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Bell's palsy afflicts approximately 40,000 Americans each year. It affects men and women equally and can occur at any age, but it is less common before age 15 or after age 60. It disproportionately attacks pregnant women and people who have diabetes or... Full Answer
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- Q What is the difference between Bell's palsy and a stroke?
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Bell's palsy and strokes differ in both their symptoms and causes. A stroke usually brings paralysis or weakness to the lower face, while Bell's palsy usually brings paralysis or weakness to an entire side of your face. Also, Bell's palsy only affects... Full Answer
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- Q What is the prognosis for Bell's palsy?
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The prognosis for individuals with Bell's palsy is generally very good. The extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery. Improvement is gradual and recovery time varies. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within... Full Answer
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- Q What is Bell's palsy?
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Bell’s palsy is a nerve disorder that causes partial or slight paralysis on one side of the face. This mild facial paralysis may affect a person’s smile, making it seem uneven, or may prevent one eyelid from closing properly. Bell’s... Full Answer
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- Q Can Bell's palsy be prevented?
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Bell's palsy can't be prevented since it is usually caused by one of several types of virus. These viruses make a specific facial nerve swell, which produces Bell's palsy symptoms. For some people who get Bell's palsy several times, there may be a... Full Answer
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- Q What are complications of Bell's palsy?
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Major complications of Bell's palsy are chronic loss of taste (ageusia), chronic facial spasm, and corneal (eye) infections. Bell's palsy can cause aesthetic, functional, and psychological disturbances in individuals who have reoccuring nerve dysfunction... Full Answer
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