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NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Bell’s Palsy

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How is Bell’s Palsy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you experience facial weakness or paralysis. As there is no specific test for Bell’s palsy, your doctor will make a diagnosis based on symptoms by ruling out other conditions that can cause facial paralyses, such as stroke, sarcoidosis, and Lyme disease. 

Examination and tests to diagnose Bell’s palsy include:

  • Physical exam, in which your doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history
  • Blood tests to check for conditions like Lyme disease or sarcoidosis
  • Electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle and nerve activity and possible damage
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to rule out a stroke or other causes of nerve damage

How is Bell’s Palsy Treated?

Treatments

Bell’s palsy typically improves without treatment. Your doctor may recommend medication and other therapies to help relieve symptoms. Treatments to help relieve Bell’s Palsy symptoms may include:

  • Medication 
    • Oral corticosteroids decrease nerve swelling, which may speed up recovery of facial movement. This treatment is effective if you start it as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
    • Antiviral medications may aid in recovery if taken with steroids.
    • Eyedrops and eye protection may help dry eyes.
  • Other therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or facial massage may help with recovery in some cases.

FAQs

FAQs

Most people with Bell’s palsy recover gradually without treatment. Symptoms usually start improving in a few weeks, and full recovery can take two to six months, but some people never fully recover.

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy can occur within hours or take up to three days to develop. Full recovery is generally expected within six months.

Bell’s palsy is rare. It affects around 40,000 people in the United States each year.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Learn more about Bell’s Palsy and its symptoms, as well as symptoms of other neurological conditions, including stroke and brain tumors. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer advanced, comprehensive neurology and neurosurgery care for patients of all ages. Contact us to make an appointment.