Bell’s Palsy Summary Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. It usually affects just one side of the face. Symptoms appear suddenly and are at their worst about 48 hours after they start. They can range from mild to severe and include Twitching Weakness Paralysis Drooping eyelid or corner of mouth Drooling Dry eye or mouth Excessive tearing in the eye Impaired ability to taste Scientists think that a viral infection makes the facial nerve swell or become inflamed. You are most likely to get Bell’s palsy if you are pregnant, diabetic or sick with a cold or flu. Three out of four patients improve without treatment. With or without treatment, most people begin to get better within 2 weeks and recover completely within 3 to 6 months. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Related Issues Bell’s Palsy American Academy of Ophthalmology Start Here Bell’s Palsy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Bell’s Palsy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Bell’s Palsy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Bell’s Palsy American Academy of Family Physicians Bell’s Palsy (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Children Bell’s Palsy Nemours Foundation Array Bell’s palsy Teenagers Bell’s Palsy Nemours Foundation Symptoms Bell’s Palsy Symptoms American Academy of Ophthalmology Treatments and Therapies Bell’s Palsy Treatment American Academy of Ophthalmology Bell’s Palsy: Treatment with Steroids and Antiviral Drugs American Academy of Neurology Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Bell Palsy National Institutes of Health Find an Expert Find a Neurologist American Academy of Neurology National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Journal Articles Bell’s Palsy
