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Symptoms Of Bell's Palsy

• 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

The onset of Bell's palsy is usually very sudden, with some noticeable paralysis of an entire side of the face (hence the term facial palsy).

Initially, the affected side no longer responds to voluntary control such as trying to smile or the raising of eyebrows. It is at this stage of the condition that most people seek medical help, often thinking they have had some form of stroke.

Often, there is pain or discomfort just behind the ear and around the jaw.

The sufferer may also experience twitching of the facial muscles, excessive tearing in one eye, drooping of the corner of the eyelid and mouth.

Additionally, because the ability to blink is affected by Bell's palsy, the eye becomes dry and uncomfortable.

In the next 48 hours, during which time the sudden onset from the initial symptom has progressed to include other symptoms, there is often significant facial distortion as the facial muscles become paralyzed, lose tone and begin to droop.

Other symptoms may include ringing in one or both ears, headache, loss of taste, hypersensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) on the affected side, impaired speech, dizziness, and difficulty with eating or drinking.