What is Bell's Palsy?

As explained in this study by NIH, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy, Bell’s palsy is defined as facial paralysis. It results from dysfunction/impingement of cranial nerve VII, which connects your brain to the muscles that control facial expression (the nerve also is involved with taste and ear sensation)

Symptoms include:

Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face
A drooping eyebrow and mouth
Drooling from one side of your mouth
Difficulty closing an eyelid, which causes eye dryness

People living with Bell's palsy may also develop:

Facial pain or abnormal sensations
Excessive tearing in one eye
Problems with taste
Low tolerance for loud noises
Pain around the jaw and behind the ear
Problems eating or drinking

Symptoms can appear suddenly over a 48-72 hour period and generally start to improve with or without treatment after a few weeks but depending on severity can last up to 6 months,

What causes Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is estimated to affect about 40,000 people in the United States every year. It can affect anyone of any gender and age but seems to be highest in those in people 15 to 45 years old.

Possible triggers of Bell's Palsy include:

A viral infection
Impaired immunity from stress, sleep deprivation, physical trauma, minor illness, or autoimmune syndromes
Damage to the myelin sheath (fatty covering that insulates nerve fibers)
The most common causation – spasm in the temporalis muscle impinging on the cranial nerve VII

How to remedy Bell’s Palsy

Depending on the cause:

Anti-viral medication if from a viral infection.
Steroid injections can help if theres excessive inflammation but can be temporary relief
Massaging the scalp, applying heat, and acupuncture if caused by a muscle spasm.