Facial paralysis also called Bell's palsy, is a condition where one of the sides of the face meets with paralysis. Bell's palsy is a self-resolving condition having partial or complete weakness of the facial muscles. Usually, one side of the face is affected.

Two hundred years ago, Sir Charles Bell first detailed a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.

The Facial Nerve originating in the brain (in the pons) controls the muscles of the forehead, neck, and facial expressions. It is also responsible for the 'perceived sound volume'. Besides, it also stimulates secretions of tears and saliva. The trauma of the Facial nerve in any form causes Bell's palsy.

The condition affects men and women alike, has no age bar, and has no particular affinity for any one side of the face.

One in every 65 people will suffer from Bell's palsy once in their lifetime. It is the most common disorder affecting just one nerve (mononeuropathy) making it most common cause of acute facial paralysis.

Symptoms range in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. They include: