Font Size
A
A
A


Bell Palsy

Bell Palsy Overview

Named after Surgeon Sir Charles Bell and also known as facial palsy, Bell palsy is the sudden weakness of one side of the face. It is often temporary and is attributed to the inflammation of the facial nerve that controls the muscles on the weakened side of the face.



Next: Bell Palsy Causes »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Bell Palsy »

Bell palsy, more appropriately known as idiopathic facial paralysis (IFP), is believed to be a virally mediated cranial neuritis affecting the facial nerve due to reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary