Otherwise known as facial palsy, Bell's palsy is the weakening of facial muscles, which causes one side of the face to droop. Research suggests it is caused by a swelling and inflammation of nerves that control muscles on one side of your face, and it is most likely to occur after a viral infection. The symptoms come on suddenly and include facial droop and a paralysis on one side, drooling and sensitivity on the affected side. Pain in the jaw or behind the ear increased sensitivity and even a change in your ability to taste and the amount of saliva or tears you may produce.
Bell's palsy symptoms are most often temporary. Where the above symptoms can appear within a couple of hours to the length of one day, there can start to improve within a couple of weeks, and the patient can regain full control over their face within the next six months. Facial drooping is also a sign of another underlying diseases and conditions such as stroke. It is important to seek medical advice if you feel any of the symptoms above so that you can determine their origin.
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