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

Patient Handouts

• Bell palsy Medical Encyclopedia

Start Here

• Bell’s Palsy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Bell’s Palsy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• What Is Bell’s Palsy? American Academy of Ophthalmology

Treatments and Therapies

• 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

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Journal Articles

• Bell’s Palsy