A temporary form of facial paralysis, Bell's palsy results from damage or trauma to a facial nerve. As this eMedTV page explains, the condition usually affects only one of the two facial nerves and one side of the face. It often goes away on its own.
While the exact causes of Bell's palsy are not known, most researchers believe that a viral infection causes the condition. This eMedTV article explores possible causes, such as viral meningitis and herpes simplex.
You might wonder, "Is Bell's palsy contagious?" As this eMedTV site points out, Bell's palsy is not contagious; that is, you cannot catch it from another person.
Twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face are possible Bell's palsy symptoms. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at common signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy, such as drooling, as well as rarer symptoms, such as impaired speech.
While there is no specific test to confirm a Bell's palsy diagnosis, imaging tests may be used to rule out other causes of paralysis. This eMedTV Web page discusses the process a doctor uses when diagnosing Bell's palsy.
Steroids, antiviral drugs, and anti-inflammatory medicines are often employed to treat Bell's palsy. As this eMedTV article explains, surgery is seldom recommended as a treatment option; it is reserved for cases where damage is permanent.
In most cases, it takes about three to six months to recover from Bell's palsy. This section of the eMedTV library discusses the factors affecting the time it takes to experience a full Bell's palsy recovery.
Women may develop the facial paralysis known as Bell's palsy during pregnancy more frequently than the general population. As this eMedTV page explains, the risk of Bell's palsy during pregnancy is thought to be greatest during the third trimester.
Current Bell's palsy research includes attempts to learn more about the circumstances and conditions that cause nerve damage. This eMedTV segment also discusses Bell's palsy research aimed at developing methods to repair damaged nerves.
