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Bell's Palsy Answers

• Bell's Palsy
• Bell's Palsy and Pregnancy
• Cause of Bell's Palsy
• Who gets it
• Can it Occur More than Once?
• Is Bell's Palsy permanent?
• Is it a stroke?
• Bell's Palsy Symptoms
• How severe is the paralysis?
• Is it only facial muscles?
• Why Can I Still Feel Touch?
• Bell's Palsy Treatment
• Tips for Coping With Bell's Palsy

Who Gets Bell's Palsy?

The disorder is more commonly seen in young adults, diabetics and also pregnant women.

There is no risk associated with the condition, Bell's palsy, and pregnancy although developing the symptom, Bell's Palsy during pregnancy may indicate pre-eclampsia.

Bell's Palsy may also indicate the presence of a serious underlying neurological condition, particularly recurring Bell's Palsy.

Is It Possible To Get Bell's Palsy More than Once?

Unfortunately, yes, it is possible to suffer from Bell's palsy on more than one occasion although the number of people in whom it recurs is very small; approx. 7% recurrence rate.

Is Bell's Palsy Permanent?

Recovery rates from Bell's palsy are very good with approx. 80% - 90% of those who experience the condition making a gradual but full recovery over a period of weeks or months, depending on the severity of the facial paralysis.

Is This Type of Facial Paralysis a Form Of Stroke?

Absolutely not! Bell's palsy is the result of localized and usually temporary damage to one of the nerves which supply the face. Recovery is normally complete.

Why Can I Still Feel Touch?

You can still feel touch because the touch receptors, or sensory fibers, on the surface skin of the face are supplied by a different nerve known as the trigeminal nerve or the 5th Cranial nerve (Cranial V).