What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition in which a person experiences weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of their face.
What causes Bell’s palsy?
The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to inflammation of the facial nerve, possibly triggered by a viral infection.
The nerve runs through a narrow bone canal in the skull, so even slight swelling can lead to compression and symptoms.
Bell’s palsy is not contagious, and it’s not caused by stroke – although symptoms can look similar at first.
What are the symptoms of Bell’s palsy?
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy usually appear suddenly and may include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the face
- Drooping eyelid or mouth corner
- Difficulty closing the eye or smiling
- Dry eye or watering eye
- Drooling or dry mouth
- Loss of taste
- Sensitivity to sound
- Headache or pain around the jaw or ear
In rare cases, both sides of the face may be affected. Most people recover fully. Treatment with steroids can help, and most people get better within 6 months.
