Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that presents as an acute onset of weakness on one side of the face. It sometimes progresses to total paralysis of the afflicted side of the face. Bell's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control expression on one side of your face. The disorder results from damage to a facial nerve, one of which runs beneath each ear to the muscles on the same side of your face.

The condition may result in a droopy appearance of your face, which can be a blow to your self-esteem. Most often, Bell's palsy isn't serious. The disorder clears up on its own within weeks or months for most people. In some cases, doctors prescribe a corticosteroid medication within the first few days, hoping to increase the likelihood of a good recovery. Bell's palsy, also called facial palsy, is named for Dr. Charles Bell, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who first described the condition in 1882.

The problem can occur at any age. Bell's palsy occurs more often in pregnant women, in people with diabetes or upper respiratory ailments, such as the flu or a cold, and in people with conditions that compromise their immune systems, such as  AIDS or Sarcoidosis.

• AIDS / HIV
• Cold
• flu
• Sarcoidosis

Signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:

• Acute paralysis or weakness on one side of your face, making it difficult for you to close one eye

• Facial droop and difficulty with facial expressions

• Facial stiffness or a feeling that your face is being pulled to one side

• Pain behind or in front of your ear on the affected side

• Sounds that seem louder on the affected side

• Pain, usually in the ear on the affected side

• Headache

• Loss of taste on the front portion of your tongue

• Changes in the amount of tears and saliva your body produces

• Headache

The severity of Bell's palsy can range from mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of your face. The onset of the problem is fairly abrupt, generally becoming apparent within several hours to a day or two. You may notice symptoms when you awaken. Pain in the vicinity of the ear can precede the palsy by a day or two. Weakness or paralysis usually peaks within 48 hours after onset of signs and symptoms. The faster the signs and symptoms progress, the more serious the weakness or paralysis you'll experience.

The cause of Bell's palsy is unknown, and its development isn't well understood. The prevalent theory is that the facial nerve becomes swollen and injured, perhaps by a viral infection.

Each facial nerve controls all muscles on one side of your face, except for muscles involved in chewing. Impairment of electrical impulses directed to your facial muscles by the damaged nerve results in the weakness or paralysis of these muscles.

Most people with Bell's palsy recover completely within a few months, with or without medical treatment. Yet, not all instances of facial paralysis or weakness are due to Bell's palsy. For a few people, Bell's palsy can be severe or involve complications. See your doctor if you experience facial weakness, drooping or paralysis to determine the underlying cause and severity of the illness.

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