Symptoms To Look Out For
“Bell's palsy is a nerve condition that causes weakness or paralysis on one side of your face,” explains Timothy Hormel, MD, a Carilion Clinic neurologist. This can happen fast—like overnight. The main symptoms include:
- Drooping mouth and eyelid on one side
- Trouble closing one eye, which can make it dry and irritated
- Loss of facial expressions, making it hard to smile or frown
- Changes in taste on the front of your tongue
- Sensitivity to sound in one ear
- Pain around the jaw or behind the ear on the affected side
- Teary eyes or drooling
These symptoms can vary from person to person. Sometimes they’re just a bit annoying, and other times they’re more noticeable.
If you experience double vision, weakness on one side of your body, fainting or problems finding words, visit the emergency room immediately.
What Causes It?
Doctors aren't entirely sure what causes Bell's palsy, but it’s often linked to viruses like herpes simplex (the same one that causes those pesky cold sores). Other possible triggers include:
- Other viruses: Like the ones that cause mono, mumps or the flu
- Autoimmune responses: Where your immune system attacks your own body by mistake
- Family history: If your relatives have had it, you might be more likely to get it
- Tick illnesses: Such as Lyme disease
- Metabolic disorders: Like diabetes
Some things can make you more likely to get Bell's palsy, like being pregnant (especially in the third trimester), having diabetes, catching a cold or other infection or having high blood pressure.
How Is It Diagnosed?
To figure out if you have Bell's palsy, your primary care physician will look at your face and see how well you can move your muscles. They might do other tests or refer you to a neurologist to make sure it’s not something else, like a stroke or a tumor. These tests might include:
- Electromyography (EMG): To check the electrical activity of your facial muscles
- Imaging tests: Like MRI or CT scans
- Blood tests: To look for infections or other issues
Can It Be Treated?
There’s no one magic treatment for Bell’s palsy—but there are things you can do to reduce inflammation, ease symptoms and help your facial nerve recover faster. This usually involves a mix of:
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone can help reduce swelling and improve recovery chances.
- Antiviral medications: If a virus is suspected, drugs like acyclovir might be used along with steroids.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and massages for your face can help keep your muscles in shape.
- Eye care: If you can’t close one eye, you’ll need to protect it with lubricating drops, ointments or an eye patch. If redness or pain occurs, see an eye doctor to prevent damage to your cornea.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort.
Is It Permanent?
Dealing with Bell's palsy is tough. It can be uncomfortable, and you might feel self-conscious. The good news is most people start to get better within a few weeks and recover fully within 3 to 6 months.
“Some might have lingering facial weakness or other issues, but this is rare. Once you’ve recovered from Bell’s palsy, it rarely returns,” says Dr. Hormel.
If you think you have Bell’s palsy, reach out to your primary care physician. If there is any question of stroke, visit the emergency room. They can assess your condition and get you on the right path for recovery.
