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Bell's Palsy

Picture of how facial muscles are affected by Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy causes paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. It results from facial nerve paralysis that causes the affected side of the face to appear flat, expressionless, or droopy. Taste sensation and tear or saliva production can also be affected.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Revised July 20, 2011

Last Revised: July 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology

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