What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bell's Palsy?

Posted on Wed, 4 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 4 Nov 2015 Answered on

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My Husband couldn't close one eye last night, and it took him a couple of minutes to do so. If it is not Bell's Palsy what could it be?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is a transient observation and not necessarily a disease condition!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your husband experienced and all the inconveniences this has caused you. This is not bells' palsy because it would not have resolved spontaneously within minutes. To me, this is an observation with no clear pathological significance at this time and all I will recommend is monitoring. Unless this happens again, I will not advise any further aggressive medical investigation at this time. I also deny to say this is a pathological condition because anxious states and transient psychological state can explain this. Unless it becomes recurrent, it is of no pathological significance.

I hope this helps. I wish you well and simply monitor and report any further reports to me for for more insights and guidance. For now, keep a calm mind set and see if this happens again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (57 minutes later)

Thanks for your reply. But we would like to be seen w a Doctor regardless. We should contact a neurologist or ophthalmologist?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurologist!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If you must see a doctor at this time, which is entirely your right, I will suggest that you see a neurologist.

Keep me updated on what the doctor says at the visit.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar