bell’s palsy: what you need to know

Bell’s Palsy, also known as acute peripheral facial palsy, is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. As a result, one side of the face is partially or completely paralyzed, causing asymmetry. The facial nerve controls the muscles in your face. The right and left sides of the face each have their own nerve. This nerve has several branches, which allow movement in the forehead and eyebrows, including the ability to blink and close the eyes. Furthermore, the nerve controls the muscles around the mouth and nose.

Symptoms include:

Although there is no direct cause of Bell’s Palsy, the condition is often linked to viral infections. Viruses that have been linked to Bell’s palsy include viruses that cause:

The doctor will make the diagnosis based on your history, how the symptoms developed, and the results of a physical examination. Symptoms usually develop very quickly, within 1 to 2 days. Symptoms can become even worse in the first few days. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for facial features:

Most people with Bell’s palsy recover fully — with or without treatment. Treatment can vary for patients. However, a healthcare professional may suggest medicines or physical therapy to help speed recovery, depending on the severity. Surgery is rarely an option for Bell’s palsy. Commonly used medicines to treat Bell’s palsy include:

To prevent paralyzed muscles from becoming shrunken and shortened, physical therapy can help through facial massages and exercises.

Because the eye on the affected side does not close, it’s important to take steps to protect and care for that eye:

At SMMC, our goal is to improve your quality of life through personalized, compassionate care. From diagnosis to treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way. For more information, please contact the Neurology Department using the information on the back of this brochure.