Bell Palsy (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical Care
All episodes of facial weakness or paralysis should be immediately examined by a doctor to rule out the possibility of a stroke. If you have had a previous episode of Bell palsy and have another similar episode, you should again be examined to rule out other more serious causes of the facial weakness. Other causes of facial weakness can include these conditions:
- Stroke
- Tumors
- Other infections, such as meningitis
- Trauma
- Other neurological disease, such as multiple sclerosis
If you have any difficulty with speech (slurred speech or change in speed of your conversation), arm or leg weakness, numbness, tingling, or difficulty with balance or walking, call 911 or go to a hospital's emergency department.
Next: Exams and Tests »
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Family Health Resources
- Babies and Fever: When Parents Should Worry
- Photos: Baby's Skin--What's Normal and What's Not
- Is Your Baby a "Happy Spitter"?
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
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).

