Bell's Palsy


What is Bells Palsy?

Bells palsy is a nerve disorder characterized by full or partial paralysis of muscles on only one side of the face. The nerve involved is the facial nerve, which is responsible for controlling those muscles. It usually occurs rapidly, and is idiopathic i.e. it has no known cause. Every year in the UK it affects approximately 5000 people, usually above the age of 15, leaving some with permanent disfigurement.

Symptoms of Bells Palsy

As previously mentioned, the onset of the condition is very fast. Usually over a period of hours you would expect to begin to get symptoms of worsening severity without any obvious cause, such as:

  • Weakness or paralysis of half of the face
  • Drooping of eyelids or eyebrows
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Your eye becomes dry
  • You have problems tasting food

It is important that if you notice any of the following you contact your local hospital or GP practice as these symptoms can be have a variety of causes.

Eye doctors, or opthalmologists are particularly worried about this condition as the facial nerve is responsible for blinking and also lubricating our eyes with tears. Bell’s palsy prevents these actions, and can lead to damage to the front of the eye called the cornea, sometimes affecting your vision.

Should you ever get Bells palsy, there is approximately a 75% chance of a complete recovery, usually over a period of a few months. Unfortunately there is around a 1 in 6 chance that you may be left with some form of symptom, such as an altered sensation, twitching or partial paralysis of the face.

Causes of Bells Palsy

Currently there are very few known causes of Bell’s palsy, however some medical professionals believe it may be due to a viral infection such as the common cold sore virus – Herpes Simplex. Don’t worry though, if you often get cold sores, this does not mean you will automatically get Bell’s palsy. The Herpes Simplex virus is able to live inside nerves, where from time to time it can causes problems. In the case of Bell’s palsy it is thought to cause the facial nerve to swell, preventing it from functioning properly.

Treatment for Bells Palsy

Over 75% of cases spontaneously resolve, however the best way you can help to protect your eyes, is to combat the direct causes. Methods such as taping your eyelid closed when sleeping can help to prevent your eye from drying out, whilst also preventing bacteria from getting in. Artificial tears or eye drops are also helpful to lubricate the surface of the eye and prevent any damage. Sunglasses are also suggested to help prevent the sun from damaging your vision.

It is probable that you would be prescribed drugs to treat the condition. Drugs such as steroids are given, to combat the nerve swelling, whilst antivirals are used to try and kill the virus itself. It is important that you take these drugs as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Some patients report improvement of symptoms using complementary treatments. You may decide to try acupuncture or massage to see if they can help relieve your symptoms.

As with all medical problems if you experience any of the above symptoms or are worried you may have Bell’s palsy, please consult a medical professional.

Bells Palsy & The Eye

Bells Palsy is the paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, usually caused by infection, injury, or tumours. A lack of tearing is found in the effected eye, which may not close properly, if the symptoms are severe. It is essential that eyes are lubricated so that eyes stay healthy and vision remains intact. If eyes do not blink they will not be lubricated which causes dryness and erosion. Eye ulcers may also be formed. An eye patch and ointment may be suggested to protect and lubricate the eye.


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