Bell's palsy

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing Bell's palsy Bell's palsy

Signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:

  • Sudden onset of paralysis or weakness on one side of your face, making it difficult to smile or close your eye on the affected side
  • Facial droop and difficulty with facial expressions
  • Pain behind or in front of your ear on the affected side
  • Sounds that seem louder on the affected side
  • Pain, usually in the ear on the affected side
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste
  • Changes in the amount of tears and saliva your body produces

DS00168

Feb. 2, 2008

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