Overview
Bell's palsy is sudden weakness or drooping of one side of the face caused by temporary swelling of the nerve that controls facial muscles. It often appears overnight and can be frightening because the face looks like it has had a stroke. Most people recover well over a few weeks to months, and early steroid treatment improves the chances of full recovery.
Symptoms
- Sudden drooping of one side of the face
- Inability to close one eye or smile evenly
- Drooling or difficulty eating on one side
- Loss of taste or increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Aching around the jaw or behind the ear
When to see a doctor
See a doctor the same day facial drooping appears — early steroids work best, and a doctor must rule out a stroke.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Face droop together with weakness of an arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion — this may be a stroke, call 108 immediately
Causes
Thought to follow viral infections that inflame the facial nerve. Diabetes and pregnancy slightly raise the risk.