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Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid
Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid
Facial drooping
Facial drooping
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Bell's palsy

Alternative Names:
Facial palsy

Treatment:
In many cases, no treatment is necessary. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms.

Corticosteroids or antiviral medications may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve. These drugs must be given early to be most effective (preferably within 24 hours of the onset of paralysis).

Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely. The eye may need to be patched during sleep to protect it.

Surgical procedures to decompress the facial nerve have not been shown to routinely benefit people with Bell's palsy.

Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome varies. Approximately 60% to 80% of cases resolve completely within a few weeks to months. Some cases result in permanent changes. The disorder is not a threat to life.

Complications:
  • Disfigurement from loss of facial movement
  • Damage to the eye (corneal ulcers and infections)
  • Chronic spasm of face muscles or eyelids
  • Chronic taste abnormalities
  • Synkinesis (abnormality in re-innervation of muscles resulting in tears when laughing or inappropriate salivation)


Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if facial drooping or other symptoms of Bell's palsy occur.

Review Date: 7/28/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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