Paralysis of the facial nerve on one side of the face, preventing one eye being closed. Also called facial paralysis [Described 1821. After Sir Charles Bell (1774-1842), Scottish surgeon. He ran anatomy schools, first in Edinburgh and then in London. Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy.]
Bell’s palsy is an acute unilateral facial nerve paralysis resulting from injury or viral or spirochete infection (e.g., mumps, Lyme disease), or from postinfectious allergic or immune demyelinating facial neuritis that may have an abrupt onset of clinical manifestations about 2 weeks after infection. The age of onset can be anywhere from infancy to adolescence, and the incidence is common.
Feature-distorting paralysis of one side (or infrequently both sides) of the face, often affecting the eye or mouth and resulting from injury, disease of the facial nerve, or an unknown cause. If permanent deformity occurs, cosmetic surgery may be helpful.
Temporary, peripheral, unilateral paralysis of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve that causes distorted facial expressions, ptosis, tearing, and salivation on the affected side.
A form of facial paralysis, usually affecting only one side, that generally clears up within several weeks but may last longer. Cause is unknown.
An abnormal neurological condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of muscles on one side of the face. People with Bell palsy cannot move one side of the mouth, close the eye, or furrow the brow on the affected side. Other possible symptoms of Bell palsy include changes in the production of tears and saliva and altered senses of taste and hearing. This condition is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the facial nerve. Nerve inflammation is sometimes the result of a virus, such as the herpes virus that causes cold sores and fever blisters. Possible causes of facial nerve damage that mimic Bell palsy include strokes, tumors, and infections (such as shingles or Lyme disease). Any case of facial weakness or paralysis requires prompt and careful evaluation by a physician. Most cases of Bell palsy resolve without treatment. However, treatment options include corticosteroids, antiviral medications, and facial massage. Artificial tears or a patch may be necessary to protect the eye from damage. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.
Paralysis of the facial nerve causing weakness of the muscles of one side of the face and an inability to close the eye. In some patients hearing may be affected so that sounds seem abnormally loud, and a loss of taste sensation may occur. The cause of this condition is unknown and recovery normally occurs spontaneously.
Bell’s palsy, or idiopathic facial nerve palsy, refers to the isolated paralysis of the facial muscles on one or both sides. The cause is often unclear, though damage to the seventh cranial or facial nerve, possibly of viral origin, is thought likely in most cases. Rare causes include mastoiditis, lyme disease and hypertension. Occurring in both sexes at any age, it presents with a facial pain on the affected side, followed by an inability to close the eye or smile. The mouth appears to be drawn over to the opposite side, and fluids may escape from the angle of the mouth. Lines of expression are flattened and the patient is unable to wrinkle the brow.
A paralysis of the facial nerve (usually on one side of the face), which can occur as a consequence of MS, viral infection, or other infections. It has acute onset and can be transient or permanent.