Bell's palsy
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Symptoms of Bell's palsy
Symptoms of Bell's palsy include:
- weakness on 1 side of your face, or not being able to move 1 side of your face—this usually happens over a few days
- a drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth
- drooling
- a dry mouth
- loss of taste
- a dry or watering eye
You may also find it difficult to close your eyes on your face's weak side.
Rarely, you may be unable to move both sides of your face.
- you have symptoms of Bell's palsy
Getting help as soon as possible is important because treatment for Bell's palsy is more effective if started early (within 72 hours). You may click the below link to get advice from a health professional.
Treatment for Bell's palsy
Treatments for Bell's palsy include:
- a 10-day course of steroid medicine, sometimes with antiviral medicine
- eye drops and ointment to stop the affected eye from drying out
- surgical tape to keep the eye closed at bedtime
If you cannot close your eyes, you may need treatment to prevent damage to your vision.
Recovering from Bell's palsy
Your Bell's palsy symptoms should get better within 6 months, but it can take longer for some people.
Go back to see a GP if your symptoms are not getting better after 3 weeks.
Some people can have permanent facial weakness and symptoms such as:
- pain in their face, around the jaw, and behind the ear
- a constantly watering eye
- difficulty eating and drinking
- changes in their sense of taste
- difficulty with loud sounds
Living with Bell's palsy can make you feel depressed, stressed, or anxious. Speak to a GP if it's affecting your mental health.
You'll usually only get Bell's palsy once, but rarely it can come back, sometimes years later.