Bell's palsy

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image of facial weakness
Facial weakness

Signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy come on suddenly, and may include:

  • Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of your face — occurring within hours to days — making it difficult to smile or close your eye on the affected side
  • Facial droop and difficulty making facial expressions
  • Pain around the jaw or in or behind your ear on the affected side
  • Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
  • Headache
  • A decrease in your ability to taste
  • Changes in the amount of tears and saliva you produce

In rare cases, Bell's palsy can affect the nerves on both sides of your face.

When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical help if you experience paralysis, because you may be having a stroke. Actual Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke.

See your doctor if you experience facial weakness or drooping, to determine the underlying cause and severity of the illness.

References
  1. Bell's palsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/detail_bells.htm. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
  2. Ronthal M. Bell's palsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2009.
  3. Bell's palsy. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/bellsPalsy.cfm. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
  4. Bell's palsy. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch219/ch219i.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2009.
  5. Cardoso JR, et al. Effects of exercises on Bell's palsy: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ontology & Neurotology. 2008;29:557.
  6. De Almeida JR, et al. Combined corticosteroid and antiviral treatment for Bell palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;302:985.
DS00168 Feb. 2, 2010

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