Bell’s Palsy and Facial Paralysis Treatment in London

‍Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis can be sudden, distressing, and functionally difficult. Dr Eamon Shamil offers specialist assessment and treatment for facial weakness in Harley Street, London, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, eye protection, recovery support, and advanced facial rebalancing where required.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of sudden facial weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the face. It usually develops quickly over hours to a couple of days.

The condition affects the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, which controls facial movement. It is thought to be linked to inflammation of the nerve, often associated with viral reactivation.

Bell’s Palsy vs Facial Paralysis

Not all facial paralysis is Bell’s palsy. Facial weakness can have several causes, including:

• Bell’s palsy
• Stroke
• Tumours or growths
• Trauma
• Salivary gland disease
• Neurological conditions

Bell’s palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other more serious causes need to be ruled out first.

Sudden facial weakness should be assessed urgently

Any sudden facial weakness should be treated as urgent. Early assessment is important to exclude serious causes and begin appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy typically affects one side of the face and may cause:

• Facial drooping
• Difficulty closing the eye
• A weakened or asymmetrical smile
• Drooling
• Pain around the ear or jaw
• Altered taste
• Sensitivity to sound
• Changes in tear or saliva production

Symptoms may worsen over the first 24–48 hours.

Diagnosis and Assessment

A specialist assessment helps confirm the likely cause of facial weakness and identify any features that require urgent investigation.

Assessment may include:

• Detailed ENT examination
• Neurological examination
• Eye closure assessment
• Blood tests in selected cases
• MRI or CT imaging where needed
• Specialist nerve testing in severe cases

Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and appropriate monitoring.

Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Treatment depends on severity, timing, and recovery progress.

Acute treatment

In the early phase, treatment may include:

• Steroids, usually within the first 72 hours
• Antiviral medication in selected cases
• Eye protection if the eye does not close fully
• Lubricating drops or ointments
• Taping or shielding the eye at night

Recovery phase

Most patients recover gradually over weeks to months. During this phase, treatment may include monitoring, facial physiotherapy, and support to restore coordination.

Persistent facial weakness or synkinesis

If recovery is incomplete after several months, advanced treatment options may include:

• Botulinum toxin to improve symmetry
• Treatment for synkinesis
• Facial rebalancing procedures
• Facial reanimation surgery in selected cases
• Targeted rehabilitation

The aim is to restore natural movement, symmetry, and expression.

Eye Care in Facial Paralysis

Eye care is one of the most important aspects of Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis treatment.

If the eye cannot close properly, it can become dry and vulnerable to corneal injury. Management may include lubricating drops, ointment, taping at night, protective shields, or ophthalmology input where needed.

Recovery and Prognosis

Most patients with Bell’s palsy recover well, but recovery can take several months. Some people develop persistent weakness, asymmetry, or synkinesis, where facial muscles move involuntarily or in linked patterns.

Specialist care can help guide recovery and offer advanced treatment where symptoms persist.

The Goal: Movement, Symmetry and Confidence

Facial paralysis affects expression, communication, eye comfort, and confidence. Treatment is therefore not only about appearance — it is about function, protection, and restoring natural facial movement.

The goal is simple: restore movement, restore symmetry, and restore confidence.