Bell's palsy is a condition that affects the facial appearance. The condition occurs when the nerve that is responsible for muscle control on one side of your face becomes swollen or, even, inflamed. When you are affected by Bell's palsy, one side of your face changes drastically in appearance. The condition can affect anyone of any age, but it generally affects those between 15 and 60 years of age, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
Weakness or Paralysis
Of all the symptoms of Bell's palsy, mild weakness to complete paralysis of one side of the face is the most common. This change in one side of the face is often very rapid, with a drastic change occurring in as little as a few hours to a few days. The weakness or paralysis associated with Bell's palsy makes it difficult to smile or, even, open and close the eye that is on the side of the face that is affected.
Difficulty Making Facial Expressions
According to the National Institutes of Health, facial droop is usually seen with Bell's palsy. The facial droop makes it very hard to smile, laugh, frown or make any facial expressions. The unaffected side of the face continues to work properly, but there may be little to no movement in the affected side.
Jaw or Ear Pain
The area around the jaw or in or behind the ear may be painful during the onset of Bell's palsy or throughout the duration. This is due to the changes in the muscle and connecting tissues, so there may be abnormal amounts of pressure placed on the anatomy, which causes pain.
Increased Sensitivity to Sound
The Mayo Clinic states that it is not uncommon for those suffering from Bell's palsy to experience a sensitivity to sound on the affected side. This may be because of the swollen nerve. The sensitivity can range from quite mild to debilitating.
Decrease in the Ability to Taste
Most people do not realize how much the nerves control every aspect of our daily experiences. With Bell's palsy, many patients realize that even our experiences with food are controlled by properly working nerves, as it is common for people to experience a decrease in the ability to taste when they are suffering from Bell's palsy.
Tears and Saliva
Excess tears and saliva or the absence of these in a person can be symptoms of Bell's palsy. These changes are due to nerve damage in the face and often appear with facial drooping.
