RA
1
1
Moderate severity
· Neurology
Bell's Palsy
Sudden one-sided facial weakness
Inflammation of the facial nerve causes sudden one-sided drooping. Most recover within weeks if steroids start early.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- About 1 in 5000 yearly
- Typical age
- Any age, often 15–45
- Outlook
- Mostly recovers fully
- System
- Brain
Reviewed by a verified Neurology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Reactivated herpes simplex
- Viral infections
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Idiopathic
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sudden one-sided face droop
- Inability to close eye
- Drooling, slurred speech
- Loss of taste front of tongue
- Pain behind ear before onset
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Oral steroids within 72 hours
- Antiviral added in severe cases
- Lubricant eye drops + night patching
- Facial physiotherapy
- Stay calm — most recover
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Not preventable in most cases
- Control diabetes
- Protect eye if blinking weak
Do’s
- See doctor within 72 hours for steroids
- Lubricate and tape eye at night
- Do gentle facial exercises
- Note recovery weekly
Don’ts
- Wait it out hoping for recovery
- Leave eye un-lubricated
- Stop steroid course early
- Massage face vigorously
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.