Description
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is a sudden, usually temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation or compression of the seventh cranial (facial) nerve.
What happens
Onset is typically rapid, with symptoms peaking within 48 hours.
The affected side may show a drooping eyebrow and mouth, inability to close the eye, drooling, altered taste, and sensitivity to sound.
It is often idiopathic, but viral reactivation (e.g., herpes simplex) and other triggers are suspected.
Recovery outlook
Most people start to improve within 2 weeks and regain near-normal or normal function within 3–6 months.
About 85–90% recover most facial movement, though some may have residual weakness or synkinesis (involuntary muscle movements).
Common treatment approaches
Medications: Early corticosteroids (and sometimes antivirals) can improve the chance and speed of recovery.
Eye care: Lubricating drops/ointment, eye patching or taping at night to protect the cornea if the eye doesn't close fully.
Physiotherapy / facial exercises: Gentle facial muscle exercises, massage, and neuromuscular re-education to enhance movement and reduce long-term complications.
Other options: Electrical stimulation, acupuncture, and in select chronic cases, procedures like Botox for synkinesis or surgery for severe, persistent cases.
When to seek urgent care
Because facial weakness can also be a sign of stroke or other serious conditions, sudden facial droop should be evaluated urgently—especially if accompanied by limb weakness, speech difficulty, severe headache, or other neurological signs.
