Bell's palsy
/ˈbɛlz ˌpɔːlzi/noun [mass noun]
Paralysis of the facial nerve causing muscular weakness in one side of the face.In severe cases (usually during ascent), increased pressure in the middle ear can cause reversible weakness of the facial nerve and Bell's palsy....
- Other viral illnesses such as mumps and rubella may also trigger Bell's palsy.
- Her medical history consisted of hypertension, depression, and a right facial nerve palsy secondary to Bell's palsy.
Origin
Mid 19th century: named after Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842), the Scottish anatomist who first described it.