Symptoms of Bell's palsy

The symptoms of Bell's palsy can vary from a mild numbness of the face to total paralysis. The symptoms develop quickly and reach their peak within 48 hours. They include: weakness or Paralysis in one side of the face, which may make it difficult to close the eyelid and cause the side of the mouth to droop irritation of the affected eye, such as dryness or increased tear production earache or pain underneath the ear on the affected side of the face an altered or reduced sense of taste increased sensitivity to sound in the affected ear drooling from the mouth on the affected side of the face dryness of the mouth pain around the jaw headache ringing in one or both ears ( tinnitus ) dizziness difficulty eating or drinking impaired speech In most cases of Bell's palsy, the symptoms will begin to improve within two to three weeks. Most people make a full recovery within nine months. When to seek medical advice As well as being a symptom of Bell's palsy, facial weakness or paralysis can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as a stroke . Therefore, you should visit your nearest A&E department immediately or call 999 for an ambulance if you or someone you are with develops sudden facial paralysis so a doctor can determine the cause.