Bell's Palsy Symptoms

Bell's palsy symptoms may come on suddenly or develop over a few days. Initial symptoms may include:

• Pain behind the ear that precedes the weakness and paralysis
• Ringing sound in the ears
• Slight fever
• Slight hearing impairment
• Slight increase in sensitivity to sound on the affected side.

Symptoms of full-blown Bell's palsy may include:

• Facial weakness or paralysis:
  • Usually on one side
  • Forehead is smooth
  • Not able to smile
• Numbness just before the weakness starts
• Drooping corner of the mouth
• Drooling
• Decreased tearing
• Inability to close an eye, which can lead to:
  • The eye becoming red and dry
  • Ulcers forming on the cornea
  • Infection
  • Possible loss of the eye
• Impaired taste
• Sound sensitivity in one ear
• Earache
• Slurred speech

Late complications (occurring 3-4 months after onset) can include:

• Contracture of the facial muscles
• Tearing from eye during eating