Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures
Bell’s Palsy
Introduction
A condition that occurs when the nerve that controls the facial muscles becomes swollen or compressed.
Signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:
- Sudden onset of paralysis or weakness on one side of your face, making it difficult to smile or close your eye on the affected side
- Facial droop and difficulty with facial expressions
- Pain behind or in front of your ear on the affected side
- Sounds that seem louder on the affected side
- Pain, usually in the ear on the affected side
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva your body produces