Bell’s Palsy
At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for Bell’s palsy. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.
When you need Bell’s palsy or facial nerve paralysis care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop. This nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how your body produces tears and saliva. Bell’s palsy comes on suddenly, often overnight, and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. It is important to note that Bell’s palsy is not the result of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). While a stroke and TIA can cause facial paralysis, there is no link between Bell’s palsy and either of these conditions. However, sudden weakness that occurs on one side of your face should be checked immediately by a physician to rule out these more serious causes.
Causes of Bell’s Palsy
The cause of Bell’s palsy is not clear. Most cases are thought to be caused by the herpes virus that leads to cold sores. In most cases of Bell’s palsy, the nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face is damaged by inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include:
- Drooling
- Eye problems, such as inability to close the eye, excessive tearing, or dry eye
- Increased sensitivity to sound
- Loss of ability to taste
- Numbness in the affected side of your face
- Pain in or behind your ear
- Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face that causes it to droop is the main symptom. It may make it hard for you to close your eye on that side of your face. Your smile can also appear asymmetric.
Diagnosing Bell’s Palsy
Your physician may diagnose Bell’s palsy by asking you questions, including how your symptoms developed, as well as by conducting a complete physical and neurological exam to check facial nerve function. If the cause of your symptoms is not clear, you may need other tests, such as blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treating Bell’s Palsy
Most patients with Bell’s palsy recover completely, without treatment, in one to two months. This is especially true for those who still have partial movement of their facial function. However, a small number of people may have permanent muscle weakness or other problems on the affected side of the face. Treatment with corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) can increase the likelihood that you will regain all facial movement. These medications work best if they are taken soon after symptoms begin (within three days). Some patients may not be able to take corticosteroid medicines because of other health problems, such as diabetes. It’s important to remember that most people with Bell’s palsy recover completely without any treatment.