Bell palsy who is at risk

The condition causes one side of your face to droop or become stiff. You may have difficulty smiling or closing your eye on the affected side. They usually appear abruptly, and you may notice them when you wake up in the morning or when you try to eat or drink. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

The symptoms can be similar to those of other serious conditions, such as a stroke or brain tumor. Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the weakness in your facial muscles.

These tests may include blood tests to check for the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. However, it can take several weeks or months for the muscles in your face to regain their normal strength. It can cause fever, joint and muscle aches, and a….

Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Table of Contents. Drooping that makes your face look uneven. Loss of facial expression. Trouble eating or drinking. Trouble speaking. Total or partial loss of taste. Ear pain. Most people make a full recovery within 9 months, but it can take longer. In a small number of cases, the facial weakness can be permanent.

Go back to see a GP if there are no signs of improvement after 3 weeks. Some cases might need to be treated with surgery. Living with Bell's palsy can make you feel depressed, stressed or anxious. Speak to a GP if it's affecting your mental health.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Bell's palsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Jan. Ronthal M. Bell's palsy: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis in adults. Bell's palsy: Prognosis and treatment in adults. Facial nerve palsy. Merck Manual Professional Version. Related Facial nerve Facial paralysis. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.