Bell's palsy
Overview
Bell's palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face. Treatment with steroids can help and most people get better within 6 months.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Bell's palsy include: weakness on 1 side of your face, or not being able to move 1 side of your face – this usually happens over a few daysa drooping eyelid or corner of your mouthdroolinga dry mouthloss of tastea dry or watering eye You may also find it difficult to close the eye on the weak side of your face. Rarely, you may not be able to move both sides of your face.
Treatment
Treatments for Bell's palsy include: a 10-day course of steroid medicine, sometimes with antiviral medicineeye drops and ointment to stop the affected eye drying outsurgical tape to keep the eye closed at bedtime If you cannot close your eye, you may need treatment to prevent damage to your vision.