How Bell's palsy is recognized
Acute unilateral facial weakness involving forehead and lower face, often with ear discomfort, taste change or tearing changes. Stroke typically spares the forehead and shows limb weakness or speech change — a critical distinction. History, exam and targeted workup separate Bell's palsy from central causes.
- Sudden one-sided facial droop, forehead involved
- Ear pain, taste change, tearing change in some
- Heart/vascular risk review for stroke exclusion
Related: Neurology → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
When to seek care
New facial weakness deserves prompt evaluation — ideally same day. Do not delay if droop occurs with arm weakness, speech difficulty, or double vision — that is stroke until proven otherwise and needs emergency care.