ChamberBell's palsy · বেল’স পালসি (মুখের অস্থায়ী পক্ষাঘাত)
Bell's palsy is a sudden, usually temporary weakness or drooping of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. Most people recover well, and starting treatment within the first 3 days improves the outcome.
What is Bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy happens when the nerve that controls the muscles of one side of the face becomes swollen, often after a viral infection. This weakens or paralyses those muscles, usually over a few hours to a couple of days. It affects one side at a time and is not a stroke, though the symptoms can look alarming.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear quickly on one side of the face and may include:
- Drooping of the mouth or eyelid on one side
- Difficulty closing one eye, smiling or making expressions
- Drooling, a dry or watering eye, or a dry mouth
- Reduced sense of taste and sometimes pain around the ear or jaw
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often linked to viral infections that inflame the facial nerve. Risk is higher in pregnancy, diabetes, and after recent viral illness such as a cold or flu. It can affect anyone but is more common in adults.
Diagnosis
A doctor usually diagnoses Bell's palsy from the pattern of facial weakness and by ruling out other causes such as stroke, ear infection or shingles. Sometimes blood tests or imaging are done if the picture is unusual.
Treatment
Doctors often prescribe a short course of steroid medicine, ideally started within 72 hours, sometimes with antiviral medicine. Because the eye may not close fully, eye drops, ointment and protecting the eye at night are important. Facial exercises and physiotherapy may help recovery.
Recovery and outlook
Most people start improving within 2 to 3 weeks and recover fully within 6 months. A small number have lasting weakness or other long-term effects. Protecting the affected eye and following up with your doctor support the best recovery.
When to see a doctor
Sudden facial weakness needs urgent medical assessment to rule out a stroke. Seek help the same day, because Bell's palsy treatment works best when started early. Return to your doctor if symptoms are not improving after 3 weeks or the eye becomes painful.
Doctors who treat Bell's palsy
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Common medicines prescribed
Frequently asked questions
Is Bell's palsy the same as a stroke?
No, but the symptoms can look similar. A stroke is a medical emergency, so any sudden facial weakness — especially with arm weakness or slurred speech — must be checked urgently to be safe.
Will my face go back to normal?
Most people recover fully within a few months, especially when treatment starts early. A minority have some lasting weakness, which is why follow-up and eye care matter.
Why do I need to protect my eye?
If the eyelid cannot close fully, the eye can dry out and get damaged. Lubricating drops, ointment at night and sometimes taping the eye closed protect your vision while the nerve heals.
Can Bell's palsy come back?
Most people get it only once. Recurrence is uncommon, but if facial weakness returns you should see a doctor again for assessment.