Bell's Palsy: Care Instructions
Overview
Bell's palsy is paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. Often people with Bell's palsy have a droop on one side of the mouth and have trouble completely shutting the eye on the same side. Bell's palsy can also interfere with the sense of taste. These things happen when a nerve in your face becomes inflamed. Bell's palsy is not caused by a stroke. The cause of the nerve inflammation is not known.
Bell's palsy usually gets better on its own in a few months. In some cases medicine is prescribed.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Use artificial tears or ointment if your eyes are too dry. Bell's palsy can make your lower eyelid droop, causing a dry eye.
- If you cannot completely close your eye, consider using clear medical tape to tape your eye shut while you sleep.
- Wear glasses or goggles to keep dust and dirt out of your eye.
- Brush and floss your teeth often to help prevent tooth decay. Bell's palsy can dry up the spit on one side of your mouth. This increases the risk of tooth decay.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a skin rash or eye pain or redness, or light bothers your eyes.
- You have a new or worse headache.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter P168 in the search box to learn more about "Bell's Palsy: Care Instructions".
Current as of: December 20, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
