Facial paralysis can be a condition in itself or it could be a symptom of some other more serious problem with the nervous system of the person, especially the nerves that run to the facial region. The commonest known facial paralysis today is that caused due to the idiopathic condition known as Bell’s Palsy which is known to affect about 0.1% of the population and is responsible for three-fourths of all facial paralysis conditions.

However there are several reasons due to which paralysis of the face can occur. This article tries to delve into the details of the causes, symptoms and Ayurvedic treatment options for facial paralysis.


Facial paralysis is defined as the total loss of all voluntary movement on one or both sides of the face. Due to this, the person cannot move any muscle in the affected region.

Facial paralysis is differentiated from facial paresis. Paralysis refers to the complete loss of movements; while paresis is an incomplete form of paralysis in which the person does retain some voluntary movements in the affected region. In fact one of the first steps in the diagnosis of facial paralysis is to determine whether the condition is that of paralysis or of paresis.

Also it is necessary to determine whether the nerves in the forehead are involved in the facial paralysis or not. To determine this, the examiner would make the person lift his or her eyebrows and check to what extent they can be pushed up. This will help determine whether the lower or the upper motor neuron is involved.


There are a very large number of causes that can lead to facial paralysis. The following are the most prominent of them:-

(i) Bell’s Palsy is the single largest cause of facial paralysis – it causes about 75% of all facial paralysis cases. Bell’s Palsy is an idiopathic condition (i.e. its cause is unknown) and hence it is very difficult to diagnose it directly. The diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy is done by excluding all other factors that cause facial paralysis. Modern research shows strong evidence that Bell’s Palsy is caused due to the herpes virus, though this cannot be said with conviction.

(ii) Injury or Trauma If a person has suffered an injury on the face which has affected the facial nerve, then there is a strong chance that the person may suffer from facial paralysis, at least on one side of the face. Such traumas could be caused by the fractures of the temporal bones of the face. In most cases, the facial paralysis occurs immediately after the trauma. When this happens, the condition can be surgically corrected. However in some traumatic conditions, there is an aggravation of symptoms due to edema or inflammation, due to which the facial paralysis can occur later on.

(iii) Tumors Cancers in the facial region are very strong contributing factors to facial paralysis. Tumors that arise in the facial region can exert pressure on the facial nerve which could lead to the paralysis.

(iv) Infections Viral infections also lead to facial paralysis. The herpes zoster virus is considered responsible for the Herpes Zoster Oticus, which affects the cranial nerves.


Though different types of facial paralysis have different symptoms, the commonly observed symptoms are mentioned below:-

• The person feels stiffness in the face and there is difficulty in moving the face. Normal activities like holding water in the mouth, closing the eyelids seem to be difficult and sometimes impossible.
• Numbness sets in with the paralysis. There is loss of sensation in the face.
• The face becomes expressionless and motionless.
• Eating and drinking become difficult.