Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is the paralysis of a nerve that affects one side of the face. The cause may be from an injury to the nerve, nerve compression from a tumor, or an infection. The primary symptoms are muscle weakness and a distorted expression of the face. A small amount of facial muscle response or movement may exist. Bell's palsy is usually temporary, but can be permanent.

Bell's palsy comes on quickly and may worsen in a few days. It can leave the face with no movement from the forehead to the mouth on the affected side. Pain around the ear often comes before, or during, the weakness. It usually lasts for only a few days. The face feels stiff and pulled to one side. The eye on the affected side droops, and may have trouble closing. There may be trouble with eating, drinking, or swallowing salvia since one side of the mouth droops or will not close. Many people complain of a disturbed sense of taste. The condition can alter speech and hearing. A healthcare provider will want to rule out the possibility of a stroke, which can cause similar symptoms.

Patients usually begin to recover on their own within a few weeks. Complete recovery may take a few months. About 60 percent of patients recover completely without treatment. About 10 percent of those affected are left with a poor outcome. Those who tend to have long-term effects are people who have rapid paralysis within a few days of onset.

There are different opinions about the best way to treat Bell's palsy. Some healthcare providers believe that no treatment is needed, whereas others prescribe cortisone-like drugs. Eyedrops, or eye ointment, and a patch are needed to protect an eye when the eyelid cannot close. Sometimes physical therapy is helpful.

See your healthcare provider soon if you suspect Bell's palsy or are unable to completely close your eyelids without pinching them together. The most urgent problem is to protect the cornea from drying out and scarring. Early treatment can prevent vision loss.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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