7/24/13

What Is Bell's Palsy? - Eye M.D.-approved information from EyeSmart

MEDIA INQUIRIES ESPAOL
FIND AN EYE M.D. ASK AN EYE M.D.

SEARCH GETEYESMART.ORG

Diseases & Conditions A to Z

Symptoms

Glasses, Contacts & LASIK

Living EyeSmart

Eye Health News

What Is Bells Palsy?

Like 12 Tw eet 13 0

Bell's palsy is a temporary condition that causes certain muscles in your face to weaken or become paralyzed. With Bell's palsy, it appears as if half of your face is droopy and you can only smile with one side of your mouth. Usually, you cannot close the eye on that side of your face, and the lower eyelid may also turn outward (called ectropion). This condition can lead to excessive dry eye and tearing in the affected eye.

What Is Bells Palsy? Bell's Palsy Symptoms What Causes Bells Palsy? Bells Palsy Diagnosis Bell's Palsy Treatment

Bell's palsy occurs when the nerve that controls facial muscles on one side of your face (the 7th cranial nerve) swells or becomes inflamed. It can affect anyone, but mostly occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 60 years old.

Related Resources
Related Topics
Bell's Palsy Diagnosis - Eye M.D.approved information from EyeSmart

Most people who have Bell's palsy find their symptoms improve within a few weeks and they recover completely in three to six months. Approximately 10 percent of people who have Bell's palsy once will get it again, either on the same side or the other side of the face.

Bell's Palsy Symptoms - Eye M.D.approved information from EyeSmart Bell's Palsy Treatment - Eye M.D.approved information from EyeSmart

Related Answers
This condition rarely affects both sides of the face, however, it can happen. If this bilateral form of Bell's palsy occurs, or if any other part of the body becomes paralyzed, weak or numb, it is important for your doctor to rule out other causes.
Next Page: Bells Palsy Symptoms

Featured Video

How do I get rid of floaters? - Ask an Eye M.D.

1:06

Find An Eye M.D.

Enter zip code here Search by Name, City, State or Subspecialty >

Subscribe for Eye Health Info

Sign up for our monthly e-mail newsletter with tips and information on preserving your healthy vision. Privacy Policy Email address

www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/bells-palsy.cfm

1/2

7/24/13
2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology Sponsorship & Advertising Policies About Us

What Is Bell's Palsy? - Eye M.D.-approved information from EyeSmart

Medical Disclaimer Privacy Policy For Medical Providers EyeWiki C ontact Us Sitemap

Reproducing text or images from this website is strictly prohibited by US and international copyright law. You may link from your website to any pages on this website.

www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/bells-palsy.cfm

2/2