Overview
Bell's palsy is sudden weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve — the eye may not close and the mouth droops. It frightens people because it mimics stroke, but it affects only the face and most people recover fully within weeks to months. Early treatment improves recovery.
Symptoms
- Sudden drooping of one side of the face
- Inability to close the eye on that side
- Mouth pulling to one side; drooling
- Loss of forehead wrinkles on the affected side
- Altered taste
- Ear pain on the affected side
- Sensitivity to sound in one ear
Causes & risk factors
- Inflammation of the facial nerve, often after a viral infection
- Diabetes and pregnancy increase risk
- Exact trigger frequently unknown
Treatment & self-care
See a doctor within 72 hours — a short course of prescribed steroid tablets started early speeds recovery. Protect the open eye with lubricating drops and a patch at night, and facial exercises or physiotherapy support the muscles as the nerve heals. Most people recover substantially within three months.
See a doctor urgently if
- Any sudden facial weakness — to confirm it is not a stroke
- Weakness of an arm or leg, slurred speech or imbalance alongside
- The eye becoming red or painful
- No improvement after three to four weeks