Bell's Palsy

Definition

Bell's palsy describes an unexplained weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Afflicted individuals may be unable to close the eye on the affected side of the face, and may also experience tearing, drooling, and hypersensitive hearing. The onset can be quite sudden, sometimes occurring overnight. Although Bell's palsy is unsettling and inconvenient, it is typically not indicative of a serious health problem. The weakness and paralysis resolve completely in the majority of cases.

Description

Bell's palsy has been described as a diagnosis of exclusion because several other disorders present similar symptoms. Facial palsies have been linked to conditions such as Lyme disease, ear infection,

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