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An upsetting, but temporary condition

	If you wake up one morning and your face droops on one side, you may have Bell's palsy. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to guide you through this alarming, yet mostly benign condition.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare best treatments for Bell's palsy.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Bell's palsy, you’re not alone. Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research about Bell's palsy, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points about Bell's palsy

• If you have Bell's palsy, your face muscles suddenly become weak, usually just on one side of your face. Although this is upsetting, it is usually only temporary.
• You have a very good chance of making a complete recovery from Bell's palsy within three weeks, with or without treatment.
• We don’t know for certain what causes Bell's palsy. Doctors think the cause may be swelling (inflammation) around the facial nerve caused by one of two viruses: herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus (the virus that causes chicken pox).
• Not everyone who has facial weakness has Bell's palsy. Your doctor should examine you to rule out other possible causes.

About 1 in 60 people have Bell's palsy at some time in their life, especially between the ages of 15 and 40 years. Most people completely recover from Bell's palsy whether or not they have treatment. But you may have a better chance of recovering completely if you take a course of steroids and antiviral pills.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about Bell's palsy. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.