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Bell's Palsy

Medline NLM definition: A syndrome characterized by the acute onset of unilateral FACIAL PARALYSIS which progresses over a 2-5 day period. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle and resulting incomplete eye closure may be associated with corneal injury. Pain behind the ear often precedes the onset of paralysis. This condition may be associated with HERPESVIRUS 1, HUMAN  infection of the facial nerve. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed,  p1376)

Bell's Palsy: factsheet from NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (US site)

Bell's Palsy: information from NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (US site)

Bell's Palsy: information from the NHS website

Bell's Palsy: information from Patient UK website

PubMed Medline search on Bell's Palsy

Related Links

The Bell's Palsy Association
Online source for Bell's Palsy information including message forum, FAQ and links.

Brain and Spine Foundation
Information on living with a neurological condition and on diagnosis. There are publications and resources. The useful glossary of neurological conditions (under 'Information and support') includes links to some other organisations as well as to Brain and Spine Foundation information.

Neurological Alliance
Collective voice for 80 organisations, including stroke and brain injury. Organisations are listed at https://www.neural.org.uk/our-members/, a good place to start if looking for information on those conditions. Site also includes information about living with a neurological condition, a glossary, and information about onset and diagnosis as well as a small set of real life stories.

NHS Inform: brain, nerves and spinal cord 
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service, with the aim of providing the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.

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