What is Bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It usually develops over a few hours to a day or two and can make it hard to close one eye, smile evenly or keep food and drink in the mouth. Early assessment, ideally within two to three days, matters: it confirms the cause is not a stroke, lets treatment start while it is most useful, and protects the eye.
Bell's Palsy (Facial Palsy) at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- Usually a clinical examination; blood tests or a scan only if something in the history or examination does not fit
- Treatment approach
- A short course of medicine to reduce nerve inflammation when started early; eye protection; facial exercises as movement returns
- When it is an emergency
- If face drooping comes with arm or leg weakness, slurred speech or confusion, call 108 or 112: it may be a stroke.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
The exact cause is often not known, though a viral infection is thought to play a part in many cases. It can affect anyone, at any age. It is not a stroke, but the two can look alike at first — which is why any new facial weakness should be checked by a doctor promptly.
Many people with Bell's palsy improve over the following weeks and months, but recovery varies. Seeing a neurologist early matters for three reasons: to make sure it is Bell's palsy and not something else, to start treatment within the first few days when it is most useful, and to protect the eye on the affected side, which may not close fully.
What are the symptoms of Bell's palsy?
- Weakness or drooping on one side of the face, including the forehead
- Difficulty closing one eye, or a dry, watering or irritated eye
- The mouth pulling to one side; food or drink escaping from one corner
- Difficulty smiling, whistling or puffing out the cheek
- Pain behind or in front of the ear on the affected side
- Changes in taste, or sounds seeming louder in one ear
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
Emergency
Face drooping with weakness elsewhere could be a stroke.
- If facial weakness comes with arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, confusion, loss of balance or a sudden severe headache, treat it as a stroke.
- In a stroke, the forehead is often spared — but do not try to tell the difference at home.
If in doubt, call 108 or 112 and go to the nearest hospital now.
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat Bell's palsy?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
Dr. Mailan K examines how each part of the face moves, checks the eye, ear, hearing and taste, and examines the rest of the nervous system to look for signs that would point to a different cause, such as a stroke, an ear infection or another nerve problem.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Bell's palsy is usually diagnosed from the history and examination. Blood tests or a scan are advised only when something in the history or examination does not fit — for example weakness elsewhere in the body, or a palsy that does not begin to improve as expected.
Step 3: Treatment
When it is appropriate and started early, a short course of medicine to reduce inflammation of the nerve may be prescribed. Protecting the eye is just as important: lubricating eye drops, an eye ointment at night and taping or covering the eye while sleeping may be advised. Simple facial exercises are explained as movement returns.
Step 4: Follow-up
Progress is reviewed over the following weeks. If recovery is slower than expected, or the face develops tightness or unwanted movements, further assessment and treatment options are discussed. No recovery timeline can be promised; it differs from person to person.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- The date and time you first noticed the weakness
- A photo taken before the problem began, if you have one (it helps compare)
- Any recent illness, ear pain, rash or cold sores
- A list of your current medicines, including for diabetes or blood pressure
Questions about Bell's Palsy
How quickly should I see a doctor for Bell's palsy?
As soon as possible — ideally within the first two to three days. Treatment to reduce nerve inflammation is most useful when started early, and an examination is needed to rule out other causes such as a stroke.
Is Bell's palsy the same as a stroke?
No. Bell's palsy affects the facial nerve itself, while a stroke affects the brain. But they can look similar. If facial drooping comes with weakness of the arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion, call 108 or 112 immediately.
Will my face go back to normal?
Many people recover well over weeks to months, but this varies and cannot be promised in advance. Dr. Mailan K will explain your situation and review your progress at follow-up visits.
Why is eye care so important?
If the eyelid cannot close fully, the eye can dry out and be damaged. Eye drops, an ointment at night and covering the eye while sleeping help protect it until the eyelid moves normally again.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
