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Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. It causes one side of the face to droop and affects not only taste but also saliva and tear production.

In most cases of Bell's palsy, the nerve that controls muscles on either side of the face is damaged by inflammation. The cause of this inflammation is not clear, but it may be linked to a viral infection.

Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC
- Neurology
Last Updated August 8, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 08, 2007
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