Overview
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. Often the weakness is short-term and improves over weeks. The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop. Smiles are one-sided, and the eye on the affected side is hard to close.
Bell’s palsy also is known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause. It can occur at any age. The exact cause is not known. Experts think it’s caused by swelling and irritation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face. Bell’s palsy could be caused by a reaction that occurs after a viral infection.
Symptoms usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months. A small number of people continue to have some Bell’s palsy symptoms for life. Rarely, Bell’s palsy occurs more than once.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy come on suddenly and may include:
- Mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face — occurring within hours to days.
- Facial droop and trouble making facial expressions, such as closing an eye or smiling.
- Drooling.
- Pain around the jaw or pain in or behind the ear on the affected side.
- Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste.
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced.
Rarely, Bell’s palsy can affect the nerves on both sides of the face.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical help right away if you experience any type of paralysis because you may be having a stroke. Bell’s palsy is not caused by a stroke, but the symptoms of both conditions are similar.
If you have facial weakness or drooping, see your healthcare professional to find out the cause and the severity of the illness.
