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Bell's palsy

Paresis nervi facialis idiopathica · Bellova obrna (periferní obrna lícního nervu)

What it is

Sudden one-sided facial nerve inflammation, often after a viral trigger.

Symptoms & signs

  • One-sided face droop
  • can't close the eye
  • drooling
  • loss of taste
  • ear ache

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Arm or leg weakness, slurred speech or confusion — possible stroke
  • call 112 / 911 now Forehead also cannot move with sudden weakness elsewhere
  • see a doctor soon Eye that will not close, becoming red or painful
  • see a doctor soon No improvement after 3 weeks, or a rash or blisters in the ear

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Prednisolone within 72 h
  • antivirals in severe cases
  • eye lubrication and taping at night

Natural & lifestyle

  • Facial exercises and mime therapy
  • warm compresses
  • protect the eye

Emerging & experimental

  • Botulinum for synkinesis
  • electrical stimulation protocols

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Acupuncture — Chinese trials report benefit; their quality is low mixed evidence
  • Vitamin B12 injections — used in Asia; small trials early / small studies

ICD codes