What causes bell's palsy?

Viral infection: Bell's palsy is one reason people develop facial paralysis. True bell's palsy is felt to be caused by a viral infection of the facial nerve leading to swelling of the nerve and damage to it caused by decreased blood flow. Steroids are very helpful in treating this. Some people incorrectly term facial paralysis "bell's palsy." this is not correct, you must exclude other causes of facial paralysis.

Presumed viral: Bell's palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion; this manifests as partial to complete facial nerve paralysis. This should be evaluated by an ENT doctor as soon as possible to determine whether any treatment is indicated, such as oral steroids, antivirals, or eye care. Bell's palsy is often seen after an acute viral illness, but other causes should be ruled out as well.

Unknown: The exact cause of bells palsy is unknown but it is thought that it may be due to a viral infection in the facial nerve.

Facial Nerve Damage: Bell's palsy is caused by damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve vii). Frequently the cause is idiopathic and resolves on its own. Other causes can be tumors, lyme disease, HIV infection, sarcoidosis, stroke or multiple sclerosis.

Probably a virus: Bell's palsy is weakness of the facial muscles. It is considered by many to be caused by a viral infection of the facial nerve - although that is not certain. It is important to rule out other causes of facial paralysis such a tumor growth or a stroke before arriving at the diagnosis of bell's palsy. Anyone with facial weakness or paralysis should have a complete medical evaluation by a specialist.

Bell's Palsy: Causes include viral infections, medications, trauma, environmental factors, and metabolic or emotional disorders, thus suggesting that stress - emotional stress, environmental stress (e.g., cold), physical stress (e.g., trauma) - in short, a host of different conditions, may trigger bell's palsy.

Facial palsy: One of the most common triggers today of bell's palsy is lyme disease.

Unknown: The exact cause of bell's palsy is unknown but it is thought that it may be due to a viral infection of the facial nerve.