editor
What is the likelihood of getting Bell’s palsy?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Bell’s palsy is a condition in which a person develops weakness or paralysis of facial muscles for no identifiable reason. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Bell’s palsy is newly diagnosed in 25 to 35 per 100,000 people in the US. So, if everyone had a similar risk, the likelihood would be in the range of 1 in 3000 to 1 in 4000. However, some people appear to be at higher risk than others. For example, the risk may be higher among persons who: are between the ages of 15 and 45 years old are pregnant or have just delivered are obese have hypertension have diabetes
→ See more questions and expert answers related to bells palsy.
Does Bell’s palsy cause fatigue?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Bell’s palsy is a disease in which a major nerve that controls facial movement on one side of the face is irritated or inflamed, leading to weakness in the muscles it controls. The cause in most cases is unknown, although a reaction to an infection is a leading theory. While fatigue is not a common symptom of Bell’s palsy, an infection that triggered Bell’s palsy could cause fatigue.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to bells palsy.