Bell’s palsy

Antoni's palsy, facial nerve palsy, facial paralysis, facial palsy, refrigeration palsy.

What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a condition in which a person experiences weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of their face.

What causes Bell’s palsy?

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown but it is thought to occur when the nerve that controls the facial muscles becomes compressed. This could be due to inflammation of the nerve, possibly from a viral infection.

What are the symptoms of Bell’s palsy?

The symptoms of Bell’s palsy vary. Some people experience mild muscle weakness whereas others have complete paralysis. It may also be difficult to open and close the mouth and eyelids. In rare cases both sides of the face are affected.

Are you affected by Bell’s palsy?

If you’re affected by Bell’s palsy, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with Bell’s palsy, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with Bell’s palsy from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone affected by Bell’s palsy

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with Bell’s palsy? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including Bell’s palsy, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Carer support from The Brain Charity in Liverpool Practical help

Support for carers

All The Brain Charity's services are free for carers and family members of people with neurological conditions too.
Get help
Counsellling at The Brain Charity in Liverpool Emotional support

Counselling at The Brain Charity

Struggling with your mental health? Find someone to talk to about how you're feeling at The Brain Charity.
Get help
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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The Brain Charity’s library has a range of resources on many disability-related issues.

Support groups

Facial Palsy UK Cheshire & Mersey Group

Hold bi-monthly meetings at The Brain Charity that provide an opportunity for those affected by Bell’s palsy to meet others and to receive support.
Website: www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support/local-groups
Phone: 03000309333
Email: support@facialpalsy.org.uk

Facial Palsy UK Community

A community of people affected by the condition and health professionals that provides access to online support groups.
Website: www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support
Phone: 03000309333
Email: support@facialpalsy.org.uk

Other charities

Facial Palsy UK

Aims to provide information and support to those living with Bell’s palsy and to support research into better treatments.
Website: www.facialpalsy.org.uk
Phone: 03000309333
Email: support@facialpalsy.org.uk