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Symptoms & Causes

Bell’s Palsy

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What Is Bell’s Palsy?

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy, also known as idiopathic facial palsy, is a usually temporary facial weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. Symptoms appear quickly or over a few days and generally improve after a few weeks without treatment. Complete recovery of facial function is expected within six months in most patients.

Bell’s palsy vs. stroke

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body — can be a sign of a stroke. Bell’s palsy and stroke can have similar symptoms of facial weakness or facial paralysis on one side, but a stroke also causes muscle weakness in other parts of the body. It is important to receive a diagnosis from a doctor as soon as possible to ensure adequate care.

Signs & Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy can range from mild weakness to total paralysis of the affected side of the face. Symptoms can appear within hours or can take up to three days. Sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face may be a sign of other conditions, including a stroke, requiring immediate medical diagnosis.

Bell’s palsy symptoms may include:

  • Mild weakness to total paralysis of one side of the face, causing facial drooping
  • Drooping of the mouth
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty closing the eye, causing dryness of the eye
  • Pain behind the ear or around the jaw 
  • Headache
  • Loss of sense of taste
  • Sensitivity to noise

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What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

Causes

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. It may be related to viral infections and other conditions that cause swelling or inflammation of the nerve that controls the facial muscles. Bell’s palsy is possibly associated with the following conditions:

  • Viral infection from herpesviruses (a large family of viruses that cause infections and certain diseases) including: 
    • Acute or reactivated herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus that typically causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes)
    • Reactivated varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox  
    • Acute or reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which cause lead to mononucleosis (mono)
  • Inflammation 
  • Recent vaccinations (rare)

Risk Factors for Bell’s Palsy

Risk Factors

Bell’s palsy can affect anyone at any age, but it typically occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 60. The following factors and conditions may increase the likelihood of developing Bell’s palsy:

  • Respiratory infection, including the flu or a cold
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy, especially:
    • During the third trimester
    • In people with high blood pressure
    • In people with gestational diabetes

How to Prevent Bell’s Palsy

Prevention

Currently, there is no way to prevent Bell's palsy. However, you will usually only get Bell's palsy once. Please seek medical aid if you are experiencing Bell's palsy symptoms.

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Bell’s Palsy Care

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand how Bell’s Palsy can disrupt one’s life. If you suspect you may be experiencing Bell’s Palsy or related symptoms, contact NewYork-Presbyterian today to meet with one of our neurologists. Together, you can better understand the cause of your symptoms and work on a treatment plan.