What is Bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face. It's caused by inflammation or damage to your facial nerve. It's usually temporary.

Most people start to get better over several weeks or months. A few people don't recover fully and are left with some weakness or paralysis of the muscles on that side of their face.

What symptoms are related to Bell's palsy?

The main symptom is weakness or paralysis of one side of your face. It's usually at its worst 2 to 3 days after it first appears. Bell's palsy can also cause:

• a drooping eyelid or difficulty closing one eye
• difficulty smiling and making facial movements
• drooping of one side of your mouth
• difficulty eating and drinking
• drooling
• pain or sensitivity around the affected area
• a headache
• loss of taste
• changes in the amount of tears or saliva you make

If you develop any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.

What causes Bell's palsy?

A viral infection is thought to be the main cause of Bell's palsy.

The infection inflames (or swells) the nerve that controls your facial muscles. It can be mild, or severe.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of Bell's palsy.

How is Bell's palsy diagnosed?

There is no specific test for Bell's palsy, but your doctor can diagnose the condition by examining you carefully.

Bell's palsy is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of your symptoms. For this, you may need further tests. You may be referred to a specialist if the diagnosis is unclear.

How is Bell's palsy treated?

Most people recover from Bell's palsy without treatment within about 6 months. However, treatment can help relieve your symptoms and let you recover more quickly.

To treat Bell's palsy, your doctor may prescribe you medicines. Oral steroids, or an antiviral medicine can be taken in the first few days from the onset of Bell's palsy. This can improve your chance of a full recovery.

They may also prescribe you lubricating eye drops or an eye ointment to protect your affected eye. Your doctor may also recommend physiotherapy or face massage.

Self-care at home

You can help your recovery by:

• using prescription eye drops and ointment regularly
• wearing glasses or goggles during the day
• using artificial tears to keep your eye moist
• using a lubricant ointment on the affected eye and tape it closed while you sleep

If the pain is bothering you, you can take over-the-counter pain medicines.

Can Bell's palsy be prevented?

As the cause of Bell's palsy is not fully understood, it can't be prevented.

What are the complications of Bell's palsy?

Bell's palsy may stop you from closing one eye properly. If you don't look after your exposed eye, you may get eye complications. These can include:

• incomplete eye closure
• crocodile tears (tears that appear while eating)
• dry eyes

If your facial control does not fully recover 3 months after getting Bell's palsy, see your doctor. They may refer you to a neurologist (doctor who specialises in the brain) or an ophthalmologist (doctor who specialises in the eyes).

You should also visit your doctor if you experience any involuntary muscle movement.

Resources and support

If you need to know more about Bell's palsy, or to get advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Other languages

The Emergency Care Institute offers information on Bell's palsy in languages other than English.