What Is Bell’s Palsy and Why Does Facial Weakness Occur?

Facial weakness can be sudden and quite scary. The drooping of one side of the face, an inability to close one’s eye properly and/or the awkwardness of smiling or attempting to speak due to this condition known as Bell’s palsy often arise suddenly and unexpectedly. Many people experience this condition regardless of age. To confirm the diagnosis, eliminate any serious causes and start treatment that promotes the best chance for recovery, prompt evaluation by a Top Neurologist In Chennai is essential.

While symptoms of Bell’s palsy can resemble those of a stroke at first glance, they are two different conditions, bell’s palsy is not a stroke. When you better understand what causes Bell’s palsy, you’ll be able to respond appropriately and more calmly.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy can occur when the facial nerves become inflamed and compressed causing temporary weakness or paralysis of the face’s muscles. The facial nerve extends from the brain down through the skull and provides signals to the muscles of the face for movement, blinking, and to create tears. When the nerve becomes inflamed or compressed, the signals from the brain do not correctly reach the muscles resulting in weakness of one side of the face.

The onset of Bell’s palsy occurs suddenly with symptoms developing in a short time frame; usually a few hours to one day, therefore many people feel like it happens overnight.

Why Does Facial Weakness Happen?

The most widely accepted cause of Bell’s palsy is viral activation. Certain viruses, especially herpes-related viruses, may reactivate in the body and trigger swelling around the facial nerve. Because the nerve travels through a narrow bony canal, even mild swelling can interfere with its function.

Risk factors may include recent infections, lowered immunity, diabetes, pregnancy, or significant physical stress. However, many people develop Bell’s palsy without any clear trigger.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

While the most obvious symptom of Bell’s palsy would be facial weakness, there are many other symptoms associated with Bell’s palsy, such as:

• Sudden drooping on one side of the face   
• Difficulty closing or blinking with one eye   
• Difficulty holding food in your mouth (like drooling)   
• Loss of taste on the affected side of your tongue   
• Sensitivity to sound, especially on the affected side   
• Dry eye or excessive tearing of the affected eye.   

Most symptoms will have their peak symptomatology in the first 2–5 days following symptom onset with a plateau of symptoms shortly thereafter until there is a degree of recovery.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

Any abrupt weakness of the face should be evaluated quickly. Bell’s palsy is generally a harmless condition, but similar symptoms can also occur in other serious neurological disorders. You must see a physician right away if you have facial weakness with:

• Speech that you have difficulty pronouncing or weakness in your arms or legs
• A sudden onset of severe headache or confusion
• Changes in your vision or loss of your ability to maintain your balance

Identifying the cause of your weakness as soon as possible will help to reassure you that you have made the right diagnosis and may provide you with some reassurance.

Bell’s palsy can be distressing, but it is often temporary and treatable when addressed early. Understanding why facial weakness occurs helps patients respond calmly and seek appropriate care without delay. At Sugam Hospital, neurological care focuses on accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and supportive recovery planning. Consulting a Best Neurologist ensures that facial nerve conditions like Bell’s palsy are managed with expertise, clarity, and compassion, helping patients regain confidence and normal function as quickly as possible.