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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 (32)
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.

5.0 (4)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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.

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