Bell Palsy Causes

The direct cause is not usually known, but Bell 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 palsy has been associated with Lyme disease where it is common. The facial muscle is the most commonly paralyzed nerve of the body.