Symptoms

The main symptom of Bell's palsy is weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. The affected side of the face looks flat and expressionless or droopy. Other symptoms include:

• A dry eye on the affected side because you are unable to blink.
• Tearing in the affected eye.
• Pain behind the ear on the affected side of the face, which may occur a day or two before the paralysis begins.
• Increased sensitivity to sounds.
• Drooling because you may not be able to close your mouth completely.
• A dry mouth and problems swallowing because you make less saliva.
• A decreased ability to taste, especially at the tip of your tongue.

The paralysis is likely to become worse for the first couple of days, then gradually get better. In most cases, all symptoms are gone within 2 months.

A number of other conditions, such as stroke or Lyme disease, can also cause facial weakness and paralysis.