K.N.O.W. Home Health - BELL'S PALSY

BELL'S PALSY

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This happens when the facial nerve (a nerve that controls your facial muscles) becomes swollen or inflamed. Bell’s palsy is not a stroke, but the symptoms can look similar.

Most people start getting better in a few weeks. Some recover fully in a few months.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

Doctors aren’t always sure why someone gets Bell’s palsy. It may be caused by a virus or an infection. Some possible causes include:

Cold sores (herpes virus)
The flu or another illness
Ear infections
Lyme disease (from tick bites)
Stress or weakened immune system

What Are the Symptoms?

Bell’s palsy usually affects only one side of the face. Symptoms may include:

Drooping mouth or eyelid
Trouble closing one eye
No facial expression on one side
Drooling
Trouble speaking clearly
Eye tearing or dryness
Pain behind the ear or jaw
Sensitivity to loud sounds

How Is Bell’s Palsy Treated?

Most people with Bell’s palsy get better without treatment, but doctors may give you:

Steroid medicine (like prednisone) to reduce swelling
Antiviral medicine if a virus may be the cause
Eye care to protect the eye that won’t close (eye drops or an eye patch)
Physical therapy or facial exercises to help the muscles recover

Is There a Special Diet?

There is no special diet, but eating may be hard if one side of your face is weak. Tips:

Eat soft foods if chewing is hard
Cut food into small bites
Drink through a straw if needed
Sit up while eating to avoid choking

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor:

Call your home health RN or doctor if:

Your symptoms get worse
You start to have pain in your eye
Your eye becomes red, dry, or infected
You are not getting better after 2–3 weeks
You start to feel weak in your arms or legs

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER):

Go to the ER right away if:

You suddenly can’t move your arms or legs
You have confusion, trouble speaking, or vision changes
You think you might be having a stroke
You have chest pain or trouble breathing

Other Helpful Tips:

Protect your eye if it won’t close—use drops during the day and an eye patch at night
Practice gentle facial exercises (your nurse or therapist can show you how)
Rest and manage stress—your body needs time to heal
Keep follow-up visits with your doctor

📝 Patient Homework / Assessment

Circle TRUE or FALSE for each statement below. Please correct each False statement.

True or False: Bell’s palsy affects both sides of the face equally.
True or False: Bell’s palsy is the same as having a stroke.
True or False: A virus may cause Bell’s palsy.
True or False: Facial weakness is one common symptom of Bell’s palsy.
True or False: Bell’s palsy always causes pain in both arms.
True or False: Steroid medicine may help reduce swelling in Bell’s palsy.
True or False: Bell’s palsy is usually permanent and never goes away.
True or False: You should protect your eye if it doesn’t close properly.
True or False: Bell’s palsy can sometimes make it hard to eat or drink.
True or False: You should lie flat while eating meals.
True or False: Facial exercises may help the face muscles recover.
True or False: You should call your nurse if your symptoms are getting worse.
True or False: A cold sore virus can sometimes trigger Bell’s palsy.
True or False: Bell’s palsy always needs surgery.
True or False: It’s okay to wait and see if symptoms get better on their own.
True or False: Your eye may need special care, like drops or a patch.
True or False: You should go to the ER if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.
True or False: Bell’s palsy can cause drooling or slurred speech.
True or False: Most people with Bell’s palsy recover fully.
True or False: Stress and tiredness may make Bell’s palsy worse.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

When did you first notice weakness or drooping on one side of your face, and has it changed since then?

Are you experiencing difficulty closing your eye, smiling, or making other facial expressions on the affected side?

Have you had any treatments, such as medications (like steroids) or physical therapy, and how have they helped your symptoms?

Are you experiencing any changes in taste, increased tearing, or sensitivity to sound on the affected side of your face?