26/04/2024
For those of you watching the NBA playoffs and wondering what was going on with Joel Embid’s eye here is an explanation about Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s palsy causes one side of the face to be partly or completely paralyzed. This may cause:
●Eyebrow sagging
●Drooping of the lower part of the face, especially the corner of the mouth
●One eye will not close completely (picture 1)
In some cases, you may lose the normal ability to close one eye, which can lead to drying of the surface of the eye (the cornea). Loud noises may be amplified and cause discomfort in the ear on the affected side, a condition called hyperacusis. In addition, some people lose the sense of taste on the front of the tongue.
The changes caused by Bell’s palsy will affect the appearance of your face, including how you smile. These changes are often obvious to others and can cause people with Bell’s palsy to feel distressed and to avoid social activities.
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy usually appear over a period of a day or two. Most patients begin to improve within three weeks after the first symptoms begin. Improvement may continue for three to six months.