The eye on the affected side droops, and may have trouble closing. There may be trouble eating or with salivation. Many people complain of a disturbed sense of taste. The condition can alter speech and hearing. A doctor must rule out the possibility that a stroke occurred, which can cause similar symptoms.
Patients usually begin to recover on their own within a few weeks.
Complete recovery may take a few months. Only about 10 percent of patients are left with a poor outcome. Those who tend to have some long-term effects are persons who have rapid paralysis within a few days of onset. About 60 percent of patients recover completely without treatment. There are different opinions about the best way to treat Bell's Palsy.