Facial Paralysis

85% of patients can expect to recover fully from Bell’s palsy. 10% of patients can suffer from synkinesis and partial facial weakness. The remaining 5% of patients may be left with complete paralysis and will need surgery to restore functions such as smiling. Most people start to get better within 3 weeks after the start of their symptoms, although it can take them up to 6 months to get completely back to normal. 

Dry eyes and tearing are common complaints and are contributed by incomplete eyelid closure and inability to retain tears. Eye protection (with eye drops and taping at night) is important to prevent corneal ulceration which can lead to blindness in severe cases.