Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Symptoms of Bell's palsy range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. Common symptoms of Bell's palsy may include twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one or both sides of the face; drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth; drooling; and others. Most often, these symptoms of Bell's palsy, which usually begin suddenly and reach their peak within 48 hours, lead to significant facial distortion. Some of the less common symptoms of Bell's palsy include pain or discomfort around the jaw (and behind the ear), ringing in one or both ears, headache, loss of taste, and impaired speech.
Symptoms of Bell's Palsy: An Introduction
Because the facial nerve has so many functions and is so complex, damage to the nerve or a disruption in its function can lead to many problems. Symptoms of
Bell's palsy vary from person to person and range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis.
Common Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Common symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:
- Twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one or both sides of the face
- Drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth
- Drooling
- Dryness of the eye or mouth
- Impairment of taste
- Excessive tearing in one eye.
Most often, these symptoms of Bell's palsy, which usually begin suddenly and reach their peak within 48 hours, lead to significant facial distortion.
Other Symptoms of Bell's Palsy
Other symptoms of Bell's palsy may include:
- Pain or discomfort around the jaw and behind the ear
- Ringing in one or both ears
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- Hypersensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Impaired speech
- Dizziness
- Difficulty eating or drinking.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print