Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis and weakness of the muscles that control expression on one side of the face. The disorder results from damage or trauma to one of a pair of facial nerves (Cranial Nerve VII) that controls the muscles of the face. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy usually appear suddenly and reach their peak within 48 hours. Symptoms range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis of the face, and Bell’s palsy can often cause significant facial distortion. Until recently, in most cases its cause was unknown. Most scientists believe that a viral infection causes the disorder and that the facial nerve swells and becomes inflamed in reaction to the infection.