Q: Which doctor should be consulted in Bell's palsy?
A: A neurologist and an ophthalmologist are the doctors who must be consulted for this condition.
Q: Is the condition reversible?
A: Yes. In most cases after a course of steroids, the symptoms subside although you will need to take precautions like covering your face to avoid exposure to cold.
Q: Is Bell's palsy fatal?
A: No, unless there is any underlying condition like trauma to the head or severe diabetes, the condition does not result in death.
Q: Will my children be affected?
A: That is difficult to say since only 4 percent seem to have inherited the condition although no specific link has been established.
Q: Will Bell's Palsy happen again?
A: In most instances, Bell's palsy affects an individual only once in their lifetime. It is however believed that about 1 in 10 people who have a Bell's palsy have a further episode sometime several years afterwards.
Q: Does Bell's palsy affect any other parts of the body?
A: No. Bell's palsy is a local problem confined to the facial nerve and facial muscles.
