Bell’s palsy [Charles Bell, Scottish Surgeon, 1774–1842] , a unilateral paralysis of the facial nerve, thought to result from trauma to the nerve, compression of the nerve, or infection, of which herpes simplex virus is thought to be the most common. Any or all branches of the nerve may be affected. The person may not be able to close an eye or control salivation on the affected side. It usually resolves over weeks but can leave some permanent damage, including decreased taste and hypersensitivity to noise on the affected side. Also called Bell’s paralysis.
