What You Need to Know About Bell’s Palsy, a Condition That Paralyzes Half of the Face
Angelina Jolie revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that last year she developed Bell’s palsy, causing paralysis on one side of her face. This condition can come on suddenly, but it usually goes away within a few weeks or months. (Jolie has recovered since then.)
The cause of Bell’s palsy is sometimes described as unknown, but it may be due to a viral infection that flares up and irritates the nerve that connects the brain to the muscles in the face. Both men and women can get it, but you are at higher risk if you are pregnant or have diabetes. Jolie’s high blood pressure can also increase the likelihood of developing Bell’s palsy.
In mild cases, Bell’s palsy usually resolves over time, but it is still worth seeking treatment. In some cases, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs help. Physical therapy can help the muscles in your face to heal, and if your eye doesn’t close properly, you may need artificial tears or other treatments to protect your vision.
For her part, Jolie says acupuncture helped her recover, and Bell’s palsy acupuncture review found it helps in some cases, but the available research is of poor quality, so I’m skeptical.
A stroke can also lead to a semi-paralyzed face, so don’t discount this symptom. If you have a stroke, brain time: the sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to suffer long-term damage. Emergency room doctors can distinguish Bell’s palsy from stroke palsy , so be sure to get tested. As a reminder, your stroke symptom mnemonic is FAST :
- F: numbness or weakness of the face, especially on one side
- A: Hand numbness or weakness, especially on one side (raise both hands like a zombie; are they on the same level?)
- Subject : Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- T: Time to call 911