Bell Palsy (cont.)
Medical Author:
Shahram Lotfipour, MD
Medical Editor:
Patrick Taylor, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM
IN THIS ARTICLEBell's Palsy CausesThe direct cause is not usually known, but Bell's palsy is often preceded by symptoms of a viral syndrome. Other commonly mentioned triggers include stress, trauma, fever, and tooth extractions. There is a strong correlation with the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lip. There has also been an association found with shingles and its associated blistering (from the herpes zoster virus). Bell's palsy has been associated with Lyme disease where it is common. The facial muscle is the most commonly paralyzed nerve of the body. |
WebMD Daily
Get breaking medical news.
From WebMD
Brain and Nervous System Resources
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
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).
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies

