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.

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.

Doctor
5.0(14)

Sergey Ilyasov

PsychiatryNeurology7 years of experience

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.

Book a video appointment
€106
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.

Doctor
5.0(14)

Sergey Ilyasov

PsychiatryNeurology7 years of experience

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.

Book a video appointment
€106

Stay informed about Oladoctor

News about new services, product updates and useful information for patients.

Follow us on social media