Facial paralysis symptoms

by Tea
(Gilbert,Arizona USA)

Symptoms of Bells Palsy?

I had D&C done about a week or so ago, but my husband noticed three days ago that when I laugh or talk my lips go to my right side. I can smile, but my lips curl to my right side. My left side of my face seems to have no expression. I do not feel any tingling or pain in my left side but this is scaring me. Can someone help me please I really do not know what to do, and Im scared to go to the doctor because I am afraid that I will find out something is seriously wrong with me or that its permanent. I cannot blink fully on my left side and I cannot raise my left eyebrow.

Answer: What is Bells Palsy?

What is Bells Palsy? Bells palsy is a condition that affects the 7th cranial nerve otherwise known as the facial nerve. This nerve supplies the facial muscles and if affected results in facial paralysis on one side of the face only. For it definitely to be a Bells Palsy, it has to be an isolated nerve problem with no other cranial nerve involvement or involvement of any of the peripheral nerves.

Symptoms of Bells Palsy include drooping of the mouth on one side, loss of the ability to move your eyebrow, reduced lacrimation (tears) . It can be distinguished from other causes of 7th nerve palsy by the ability to frown. If you can frown then this is not a Bells Palsy as the forehead muscles are supplied by nerves from the higher brain centre.

What is Bells Palsy caused by? No one knows for sure, but is thought to be due to inflammation of the nerve, possibly by a virus. Another condition similar to Bells Palsy is a condition called Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. This is caused by the varicella zoster virus (the virus that causes Chicken Pox and Shingles), affecting the inner ear.

What is Bells Palsy treated with? Doctors usually use steroids to help reduce the inflammation. Often Aciclovir, a drug used to treat Varicella Zoster is often used as well.

I would strongly advise you to see your doctor about this. Whether this is Bells Palsy or another cause, being frightened will not change anything, but seeing your doctor will and hopefully get you treated correctly. Good luck and let us know how you get on!




My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Clicking Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!