Symptoms

Symptoms of Bell Palsy

Symptoms of Bell palsy appear suddenly and can range from mild facial weakness to complete paralysis. Symptoms may worsen for the first two days, then slowly fade away over the next two weeks to six months. In rare cases, the symptoms are permanent.

Symptoms vary widely from one patient to another, but they often include:

  • Twitching
  • Weakness
  • Drooping eyelid or trouble closing one eye
  • Drooping mouth on one side
  • Drooling
  • Dry eye or excessive tearing
  • Dry mouth
  • Impaired sense of taste
  • Headache or pain in the jaw or behind the ear
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
  • Facial paralysis
  • Difficulty speaking, eating or drinking

Because the symptoms come on suddenly and mimic symptoms of a stroke, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause1. Early intervention can help speed healing.


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If you have back pain, leg pain, and changes in bowel and bladder habits, you should seek an immediate medical evaluation by your physician.