Bell’s Palsy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

A fairly common neurological condition, Bell’s palsy typically resolves within a few weeks or months in up to 80 percent of patients.

Bell's palsy occurs in about 15 to 30 people per 100,000. Illustrations by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition involving sudden facial paralysis or weakness. Every year, it occurs in about 15 to 30 people per 100,000, and the lifetime risk of a person developing it is 1 in 60. Resulting from damage to the seventh cranial nerve, which controls facial movements, Bell’s palsy is usually temporary, with approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of patients recovering spontaneously after a few weeks or months. However, in some cases, the symptoms may linger or become permanent.

Bell’s palsy is named for Scottish neurologist Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842), who many claim was the first to describe the condition.