The eye on the affected side droops, and may have trouble closing. There may be trouble with eating, drinking, or swallowing salvia since one side of the mouth droops or will not close. Many people complain of a disturbed sense of taste. The condition can alter speech and hearing. A healthcare provider will want to rule out the possibility of a stroke, which can cause similar symptoms.
Patients usually begin to recover on their own within a few weeks.
Complete recovery may take a few months. About 60 percent of patients recover completely without treatment. About 10 percent of those affected are left with a poor outcome. Those who tend to have long-term effects are people who have rapid paralysis within a few days of onset. There are different opinions about the best way to treat Bell's Palsy.