It can leave the face with no movement from the forehead to the mouth on the affected side. Pain around the ear often comes before or during the weakness, but usually lasts for only a few days. The face feels stiff and pulled to one side. 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.