what is bells palsy

Bells palsy is a neurological disorder that causes sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It is also known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause. The exact cause of Bells palsy is unknown, but it is thought to be related to inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve, which controls the muscles on one side of the face. It is often associated with having a viral infection, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, or influenza B. Other possible triggers include diabetes, high blood pressure, injury, toxins, Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, sarcoidosis, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. Bells palsy can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common in people between the ages of 15 and 60. Symptoms include sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, drooping of the eyebrow and mouth, drooling from one side of the mouth, difficulty closing an eyelid, which causes eye dryness, facial pain or abnormal sensations, excessive tearing in one eye, problems with taste, low tolerance for loud noises, and pain around the jaw and behind the ear. Bells palsy usually starts to improve in 2 weeks but may take 3 to 6 months to return to normal. If there is no improvement or if any symptoms worsen, it is important to tell a healthcare provider.