Bell's Palsy
Bell's Palsy is a condition thought to be caused by a virus in which one-sided facial paralysis occurs due to inflammation of the facial nerve.
Overview of Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is one of a number of disorders that can cause facial paralysis. The term Bell's palsy and facial paralysis should not be used interchangeably. However, the most common cause of facial paralysis is Bell's Palsy.
The onset of paralysis is sudden and usually preceded by either a cold, a stressful event, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
This illustration shows left-sided facial paralysis as it appears in Bell's Palsy.
This illustration shows left-sided facial paralysis as it appears in Bell's Palsy.
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About Dr. Prasad
Dr. Sanjay Prasad MD FACS is a board certified physician and surgeon with over thirty-two years of sub-specialty experience in Otology, Neurotology, advanced head and neck oncologic surgery, and cranial base surgery. He is chief surgeon and founder of the private practice, Metropolitan NeuroEar Group, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.