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Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face. Treatment with steroids can help and most people get better within 6 months.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Bell's palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face. Treatment with steroids can help and most people get better within 6 months.

Call 112 if:

  • somebody's face droops on 1 side (the mouth or eye may have drooped)
  • a person cannot lift up both arms and keep them there
  • a person has difficulty speaking (speech may be slurred or garbled)

These can be signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Bell's palsy

Symptoms of Bell's palsy include:

  • weakness on 1 side of your face, or not being able to move 1 side of your face – this usually happens over a few days
  • a drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth
  • drooling
  • a dry mouth
  • loss of taste
  • a dry or watering eye

You may also find it difficult to close the eye on the weak side of your face.

Rarely, you may not be able to move both sides of your face.

Treatment for Bell's palsy

Treatments for Bell's palsy include:

  • a 10-day course of steroid medicine, sometimes with antiviral medicine
  • eye drops and ointment to stop the affected eye drying out
  • surgical tape to keep the eye closed at bedtime

If you cannot close your eye, you may need treatment to prevent damage to your vision.

Recovering from Bell's palsy

Your Bell's palsy symptoms should get better within 6 months, but it can take longer for some people.

Go back to see a GP if your symptoms are not getting better after 3 weeks.

Some people can have permanent facial weakness and symptoms such as:

  • pain in their face, around the jaw and behind the ear
  • a constantly watering eye
  • difficulty eating and drinking
  • changes in their sense of taste
  • difficulty with loud sounds

Living with Bell's palsy can make you feel depressed, stressed or anxious. Speak to a GP if it's affecting your mental health.

You'll usually only get Bell's palsy once, but rarely it can come back, sometimes years later.

Further information

Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis, but there are many other types of facial palsy.

Consult with a doctor about Bell's palsy

Consult with a doctor about Bell's palsy

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Bell's palsy

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Bell's palsy with a doctor online.

5.0 (29)
Doctor

Anna Biriukova

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr Anna Biriukova is an internal medicine doctor with clinical experience in cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She provides online consultations for adults, offering expert medical support for heart health, hormonal balance, digestive issues, and general internal medicine.

Cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of:

  • High blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias (tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations).
  • Leg swelling, chronic fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance.
  • EKG interpretation, lipid profile evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment (heart attack, stroke).
  • Post-COVID-19 cardiac monitoring and care.
Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid, metabolism:
  • Diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
  • Individual treatment plans including oral medications and insulin therapy.
  • GLP-1 therapy– modern pharmacological treatment for weight management and diabetes control, including drug selection, monitoring, and safety follow-up.
  • Thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease).
  • Metabolic syndrome – obesity, lipid disorders, insulin resistance.
Gastroenterology – Digestive health:
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
  • Stomach and intestinal conditions: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion.
  • Management of chronic digestive disorders and interpretation of tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, labs).
General internal medicine and preventive care:
  • Respiratory infections – cough, colds, bronchitis.
  • Lab test analysis, therapy adjustments, medication management.
  • Adult vaccinations – planning, contraindications assessment.
  • Cancer prevention – screening strategies and risk assessment.
  • Holistic approach – symptom relief, complication prevention, and quality of life improvement.
Dr Biriukova combines internal medicine with specialist insight, offering clear explanations, personalised treatment plans, and comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
5.0 (29)
Doctor

Dmytro Horobets

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Dmytro Horobets is a licensed family medicine physician in Poland, specialising in endocrinology, diabetology, obesity management, gastroenterology, pediatrics, general surgery, and pain medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised medical support for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.

Areas of expertise:

  • Endocrinology: diabetes type 1 and type 2, prediabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance.
  • Obesity medicine: structured weight management plans, nutritional counselling, obesity-related health risks.
  • Gastroenterology: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver and biliary conditions.
  • Pediatric care: infections, respiratory symptoms, digestive issues, growth and development monitoring.
  • General surgery support: pre- and post-surgical consultations, wound care, rehabilitation.
  • Pain management: chronic and acute pain, back pain, joint pain, post-traumatic pain syndromes.
  • Cardiovascular health: hypertension, cholesterol control, risk assessment for heart disease.
  • Preventive medicine: regular check-ups, health screenings, long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Horobets combines evidence-based medicine with a patient-centred approach. He carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history and symptoms, offering clear explanations and structured treatment plans adapted to individual needs.

Whether you need help managing diabetes, tackling weight-related health issues, interpreting lab results, or receiving general family medicine support, Dr. Horobets provides professional online care tailored to your specific health goals.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Karim BenHarbi

General medicine 9 years exp.

Dr. Karim Ben Harbi is a licensed general practitioner based in Italy. He provides online consultations for adults and children, combining international clinical experience with evidence-based medicine. His care approach is focused on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and personalised health guidance.

Dr. Ben Harbi received his medical degree from Sapienza University in Rome. His training included hands-on experience in diverse settings — tropical medicine, rural healthcare, and urban outpatient practice. He also conducted clinical research in microbiology, exploring the role of the gut microbiome in chronic gastrointestinal issues.

You can consult Dr. Ben Harbi for:

  • General health concerns, prevention, and primary care.
  • Hypertension, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic issues.
  • Cold, cough, flu, respiratory infections, sore throat, fever.
  • Chronic digestive issues: bloating, gastritis, IBS, microbiome imbalance.
  • Skin rashes, mild allergic reactions, basic dermatological complaints.
  • Medication guidance, treatment adjustments, prescription review.
  • Paediatric concerns — fever, infections, general well-being.
  • Lifestyle optimisation: stress, sleep, weight, and diet counselling.

Dr. Ben Harbi offers reliable, accessible medical support through online consultations, helping patients make informed decisions about their health with a clear, structured, and compassionate approach.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Svetlana Kolomeeva

Cardiology 18 years exp.

Dr. Svetlana Kolomeeva is a general practitioner and internal medicine doctor providing online consultations for adults. She helps patients manage acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and preventive care. Her clinical focus includes cardiovascular health, hypertension control, and managing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, sleep issues, and overall low energy.

Patients commonly seek her help for:

  • High blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, swelling, palpitations.
  • Diagnosis and management of hypertension, arrhythmias, and tachycardia.
  • Metabolic syndrome, excess weight, high cholesterol.
  • Chronic fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, anxiety.
  • Respiratory symptoms: colds, flu, sore throat, cough, fever.
  • Digestive issues: heartburn, bloating, constipation, IBS symptoms.
  • Chronic conditions: diabetes, thyroid disorders.
  • Interpretation of lab tests and medical reports, therapy adjustment.
  • Second opinion and decision-making support.
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention and metabolic risk reduction.
  • Long-term follow-up and dynamic health monitoring.

Dr Kolomeeva combines clinical expertise with personalised care. She clearly explains diagnoses, guides patients through symptoms and treatment options, and provides actionable plans. Her consultations are designed not only to address current complaints but also to stabilise chronic conditions and prevent future complications. She supports patients through every stage of care – from first symptoms to ongoing health management.

5.0 (77)
Doctor

Sergey Ilyasov

Psychiatry 7 years exp.

Dr Sergey Ilyasov is an experienced neurologist and qualified psychiatrist who provides online consultations for adults and adolescents. Combining deep neurological expertise with a modern psychiatric approach, he ensures comprehensive diagnostics and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting both physical and mental health.

Dr. Ilyasov helps patients in the following cases:

  • Chronic headaches (migraine, tension-type headache), back pain, neuropathic pain, dizziness, numbness in limbs, coordination disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder), depression (including atypical and treatment-resistant forms), sleep disturbances (insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares), stress, burnout.
  • Chronic pain syndromes and psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome related to stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia).
  • Behavioral disorders and concentration difficulties in adolescents (including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), nervous tics.
  • Memory impairments, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional swings, and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thanks to his dual specialization in neurology and psychiatry, Dr Sergey Ilyasov offers integrated and evidence-based care for complex conditions requiring a multidisciplinary approach. His consultations focus on accurate diagnosis, development of an individualized treatment plan (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic methods), and long-term support adapted to each patient's unique needs.

Book an online consultation with Dr. Sergey Ilyasov to receive qualified assistance and improve your well-being today.

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