why isn't there more information and research on bell's palsy?  I got it 5 1/2years ago, and still have symptoms.  my face is still not right on the left side. I have met so many people who have  had it or know someone who has it or had it.  I don't believe it's as rare as what is reported.  It effects my speech, and the way the left side of my face "works"  my left eye closes when I eat or do other things.  my eye waters, especially when I eat, and I just have this weird feeling on that side of my face all the time.  Why have the symptoms lasted so long? is it stress?  When I got it, the Dr. said it was stress related.  now, my left eyelid seems to droop a little more over time. I'm afraid it'll close all together.  I'm scared I will have other problems with that eye.  There are no answers to these questions, and I feel really lost when trying to find out what the effects of having this for so long could be.  any info would be appreciated.  I was only treated with steroids and anti viral ( I think ) meds when I got it.  I didn't have any testing or anything else. that's all I  had as far as treatment.