Bell's palsy
Each year about one in every 5000 people will get a frightening and rather embarrassing illness known as Bell's Palsy.
In this condition the muscles on one side of the face become paralysed. This produces a strange, lop-sided appearance of the face. The corner of the mouth droops and the eye on the affected side may not close properly. This can all happen very suddenly.
Bell's palsy is due to a problem with the nerve supplying the face — the facial nerve. On its way from the brain to the muscles of the face the facial nerve passes through a tiny hole in the skull. Swelling of the nerve due to inflammation can cause it to get trapped in this hole, causing paralysis of the muscles it supplies. Why this should happen is uncertain but it may be due to a virus infection.
Bell's palsy is most common in young adults, but can occur at any age. It usually gets better on its own, but this can take several weeks. Unfortunately, 20-30 per cent of people are left with residual weakness.
Corticosteroids, antiviral medicines, or combined treatment with both medications, when started within 72 hours of the onset of weakness, may improve the chances of full recovery.
Last Reviewed: 11 February 2009
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