BPA - Bells Palsy Association - symptoms, treatment, research

<BODY> <P>Bell's Palsy is facial paralysis, normally affecting one side of the face, and can last from a number of weeks to a number of years. In most cases (approx 80%) the condition recedes after 3 months though for a proportion of sufferers the symptoms can continue indefinately. Most patients suspect they have suffered a stroke when first faced by it's effect and a visit to the doctor helps alleviate their fears. Symptoms normally include; a drooping or sagging mouth, facial pain, drooling, loss of taste, inability to close the eye resulting in tearing ...... bells, palsy, bells palsy, palsey, charles, bell, doctor, medical, medicine, cranial, cranium, nerve, face, facial, stroke, steroids, paralysis, paralised, viral, virus, herpes, simplex, zoster, shingles, brain, tumour, tumor, lyme, disease, organisation, association, federation, support group, network, charity, charitable, foundation, institute, non profit, not for profit, UK, Europe, US, Worldwide, unilateral, bilateral, smile, mouth, droop, stiff, tight, tightness, swell, swelling, tears, eye, lips, nostrils, cheek, drooling, inability, disability, abnormal, blink, weak, weakened, fatigue, forehead, taste, speech, pain, jaw, neck, infection, circulation, cold, sore, medication, damage Bells Palsy is facial paralysis normally affecting the eye, mouth, and nose. There is no definitive evidence as to its cause though studies indicate it to be a viral attack on the facial nerve and recovery within three months is expected for eighty percent with some sufferers requiring further treatment. Bells Palsy affects aproximately 1 in 3000 people .... </P> </BODY>