Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It usually develops over hours to a day or two.
Imagine waking with one side of your face drooping. Going straight to emergency care means stroke is ruled out quickly, treatment starts within 72 hours, and the best chance of full recovery.
Symptoms
- Drooping of one side of the face, including the forehead
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Drooling, or food collecting in one cheek
- Changes in taste
- Pain behind the ear
- Sensitivity to sound on one side
Bell’s palsy or stroke?
| Bell’s palsy | Stroke |
|---|---|
| Usually affects the whole of one side of the face, including the forehead | Often spares the forehead; the person may still raise both eyebrows |
| No arm or leg weakness | Arm or leg weakness, numbness, speech problems |
| Develops over hours | Sudden |
Treatment
- Steroid tablets (prednisolone), ideally started within 72 hours, improve recovery
- Eye protection: lubricating drops by day, ointment and taping the eye at night
- Gentle facial exercises as advised
Recovery
Most people start to improve within 3 weeks and many recover fully within 3–6 months. A small number have lasting weakness and may benefit from specialist care.
“But if it is Bell’s palsy, it will go away on its own, so I can wait.”
Many cases do recover, but steroids work best if started within 72 hours, and only a health professional can rule out a stroke. Sudden face drooping always needs urgent assessment.
Your next step: If you or someone near you develops sudden face drooping, seek urgent care straight away.
Sources: NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary, Bell’s palsy; NHS Bell’s palsy guidance.
Leave a Reply