Facial paralysis: the difference between facial paralysis & Bell's palsy

Facial paralysis occurs when there is an interruption in the nerve pathways to the muscles in the face, causing them to become weak or paralyzed. A variety of medical conditions can cause facial paralysis, and facial paralysis can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). There are two main types of facial paralysis, and both are described below along with their treatment approaches. The first type of facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, refers to any disease that causes facial muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. The second type of facial paralysis results from damage to the motor cortex region of the brain.

How are they similar

Bell's Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis, which affects a person on one side of their face. It is often caused by a virus that infects the 7th cranial nerve in your face. The 7th cranial nerve controls movement and feeling on the face and makes it impossible for you to smile, frown, or close your eye on the affected side. With time, most people with Bell's Palsy recover fully from this condition but there are some who may have permanent damage to their facial muscles.     

 Facial Paralysis is when a person has weakness or complete loss of movement in all or part of their mouth and/or chin because they have had trauma or surgery that cut off blood flow to these areas.

How are they different

Bell's palsy is a form of peripheral nerve damage that happens as a result of a viral infection, or in some cases, surgery. It is usually temporary and recovery can take up to two years. Bell's palsy typically causes one side of the face to be paralyzed, while facial paralysis (also called hemifacial spasm) often only affects half your face.

 Facial paralysis also causes increased drooling and dry mouth due to nerve damage. Treatment for facial paralysis may include muscle injections, Botox injections, or surgery; 

whereas treatment for Bell's palsy may involve corticosteroids injected into one of the nerves on either side of your neck. 

There are four types of facial paralysis, each with different degrees and symptoms.

 Type 1, which is the most common type and most likely to be caused by inflammation from an allergic reaction or by trauma to the nerve of your lower jaw.

 Type 2 involves injury to your seventh cranial nerve which runs down through your brainstem through an area known as the pons in front of both ears.

 Types 3 and 4 are rarer than Types 1-2 and require further testing. 

If you have any questions about these disorders or want more information, please talk to a neurologist who specializes in cranial nerves!

When you should see a doctor

Both Bell's Palsy and Facial Paralysis are nerve conditions that result in weakness of one or more muscles in the face. Facial paralysis is a form of Bell's Palsy, so both share symptoms. However, not all cases of facial paralysis are caused by a virus like Bell's Palsy. In these cases, doctors will be able to make a proper diagnosis. If you experience any symptoms, you should see a doctor right away.