Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy (facial palsy) is characterized by facial drooping on the affected half, due to malfunction of the facial nerve (VII cranial nerve), which controls the muscles of the face. Named after Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who first described it, Bell's palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy (disease involving only one nerve), and is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis. Bell’s palsy affects about 40,000 people in the United States every year. It affects approximately 1 person in 65 during a lifetime. Until recently, its cause was unknown in most cases, but it has now been related to both Lyme disease and Herpes simplex. Although most patients (60 - 80%) recover completely from Bell’s palsy within several weeks, some may require anti-viral therapy or other medical intervention.
For further information:- The Bell’s Palsy Information Site for a list of frequently asked questions.
Last modified: 2006-10-18
