Facial palsy is usually caused by a problem with the nerve that controls the facial muscles. The muscles stop working evenly, so one side of the face droops.
The most common cause is Bell’s palsy, an inflammation of the facial nerve that leads to an uneven smile, an eye that won’t fully close or a drooping corner of the mouth. Symptoms usually appear quickly, within 1–2 days, and most people recover within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate treatment.
A drooping face can also be a sign of stroke, which is a medical emergency, especially with weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, go to hospital immediately.
Move slowly and stay within a pain-free range. Stop and see a doctor if pain gets worse or you feel numbness or pain that spreads.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment advice. If you have symptoms, please see a doctor.
