Rarely, Bell's palsy occurs with Lyme disease. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease and deer ticks transmit it when they bite. Your pediatrician or neurology subspecialist can diagnose Bell's palsy by physical examination alone. A head or facial CT or MRI scan is not necessary. A blood test for Lyme disease should be performed.
Some doctors do viral studies looking for signs of recent infection.
Because the cause of Bell's palsy is not known, there is also no specific treatment. Other experts suggest a seven to 10 day course of an oral antiviral medication, such as acyclovir, for a possible direct viral infection of the facial nerve. But nearly all patients with Bell's palsy recover complete or nearly complete function of the facial nerve and facial muscles without medication. In many cases, Bell's palsy is present two to six weeks or longer before the paralysis begins to resolve. Your daughter is likely to be upset by her facial appearance during this time, and she will need the support and understanding of her family and friends, as well as her doctor.