Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve). It develops suddenly, most often only on one side of the face. When Bell's Palsy occurs, the function of the facial nerve is disrupted, causing an interruption in the messages the brain sends to the facial muscles. This interruption results in facial weakness, and the facial muscles lose control making the face on the affected side droop.

Causes or Possible Risk Factors

• Brain tumour
• Stroke
• Myasthenia gravis
• Lyme disease

Symptoms

• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face that causes it to droop. It may be hard to close the eye on that side of the face or make facial expressions
• Numbness in the affected side of the face
• Pain around the jaw or in or behind the ear on the affected side
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
• Decrease or loss of ability to taste
• Eye problems, such as excessive tearing or a dry eye
• Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced
• Drooling

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.