Bell's palsy

Facial palsy; Idiopathic peripheral facial palsy

In many cases, no treatment is necessary. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms.

Corticosteroids or antiviral medications may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve. These drugs must be given early to be most effective (preferably within 24 hours of the symptoms starting).

Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely. You may need to wear an eye patch during sleep.

Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve (decompression surgery) is controversial and has not been shown to routinely benefit people with Bell's palsy.

The outcome varies. Approximately 60 - 80% of cases go away completely within a few weeks to months. Some cases result in permanent changes. The disorder is not life threatening.

• Disfigurement from loss of facial movement
• Damage to the eye (corneal ulcers and infections)
• Chronic spasm of face muscles or eyelids
• Chronic taste abnormalities
• Synkinesis (abnormality in re-innervation of muscles resulting in tears when laughing or inappropriate salivation)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if facial drooping or other symptoms of Bell's palsy occur. Only a trained health care provider can discriminate Bell's palsy from other, more serious conditions, such as stroke. If you develop signs of Bell's palsy, call your health care provider immediately so that a stroke can be ruled out as quickly as possible.