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Bell's Palsy - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Bell's Palsy - Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Bell's Palsy
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health)
Bell’s palsy can strike anyone at any age. It occurs most often in pregnant women, and people who have diabetes,
influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory ailment. Bell's palsy affects men and woman equally. It is less common
before age 15 or after age 60.
Bell's palsy is not considered permanent, but in rare cases, it does not disappear. Currently, there is no known cure for
Bell's palsy; however, recovery usually begins 2 weeks to 6 months from the onset of the symptoms. Most people with
Bell's palsy recover full facial strength and expression.
Diabetes
Injury
Toxins
Lyme disease
Guillain-Barré syndrome
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Sarcoidosis
Myasthenia gravis
Multiple sclerosis
Infection, especially following a viral infection with Herpes simplex virus (a virus that is related to the cause of the
common "cold sores" of the mouth)
Disordered movement of the muscles that control facial expressions, such as smiling, squinting, blinking, or closing
the eyelid
Headache
Tearing
Drooling
The symptoms of Bell's palsy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider
for a diagnosis.
Blood tests to determine if another condition such as diabetes or Lyme disease is present
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to determine if there is a structural cause for your
symptoms.
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It is important that your healthcare provider rule out the presence of a stroke or tumor that may cause symptoms
similar to Bell’s palsy.
One uniformly recommended treatment for Bell's palsy is protecting the eye from drying at night or while working at a
computer. Eye care may include eye drops during the day, ointment at bedtime, or a moisture chamber at night. This
helps protect the cornea from being scratched, which is crucial to the management of Bell's palsy.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe other treatment for your condition based on the severity of your symptoms and
your health history. Other treatment options include:
Some people may choose to use alternative therapies in the treatment of Bell's palsy, but there is no proof they make a
difference in recovery. Such treatment may include:
Relaxation
Acupuncture
Electrical stimulation
Biofeedback training
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The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown but is thought to be caused by inflammation affecting the body’s immune
system. It is associated with other conditions such as diabetes.
Symptoms of facial weakness or paralysis get worse over the first few days and start to improve in about 2 weeks.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down
any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
Request an Appointment
Maryland 410-955-5000
Outside of Maryland 855-695-4872
International +1-410-502-7683
Related
Facial Paralysis
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/facial-paralysis)
Facial Paralysis in Children
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/facial-paralysis-in-children)
Bell's Palsy: When Facial Paralysis Doesn't Get Better
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/bells-palsy-when-facial-paralysis-doesnt-get-better)
Related Topics
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