Bell's palsy is the accepted term for a condition in which inflammation or swelling affects a single side of your face. The inflammation takes place in the facial nerve. While most people who get Bell's palsy recover on their own in a short period, others may suffer it again later. Medications such as corticosteroids such as prednisone that is an anti-inflammatory and antivirals such as valacyclovir and acyclovir can help for some people, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Weakness
When you first get Bell's palsy, you may experience a weakness or paralysis on the effected side of your face. This can happen very quickly and the amount of weakness can cover a wide range from the mild to full paralysis. It can occur in a few hours or over a few days. It can cause your eye on the effected side to stay open and make smiling difficult or lopsided. Because paralysis in your face also can be a symptom of a stroke---a much more serious and life-threatening condition---the Mayo Clinic recommends getting emergency medical aid.
Expressions
Because of the inflammation of Bell's palsy, your face may droop and it may be difficult or impossible to make normal facial expressions. This can be an alarming for those close to you, but it is only an early onset symptom of the condition.
Pain
You may feel pain in your jaw or in the area behind the ear on the side of your head that is effected. The Mayo Clinic notes that rarely, Bell's palsy can occur on both sides of your face, too, in which you may feel pain around both ears. You may also feel pain from headache and sound.
Other Symptoms
Bell's palsy also can cause a few other symptoms as it begins to affect you. For example, food or drink may not taste the same because your tasting ability may be decreased. Your glands may also produce more or less saliva or tears.
