A-Z Health Guide from WebMD: Health Topics
Bell's Palsy
Topic Overview
What is Bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy is a
paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of
your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the
face causes that side of your
face to
droop
. The nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you
make tears and saliva. This condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, and
usually gets better on its own within a few weeks.
Bell's palsy is not the result of a
stroke or a
transient ischemic attack (TIA). While stroke and TIA
can cause facial paralysis, there is no link between Bell's palsy and either of
these conditions. Palsy simply means weakness or paralysis.
| Bell's Palsy: Topic Overview |
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Last updated: August 09, 2005
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