"Angelina Jolie’s Bell’s Palsy Diagnosis Sparks Questions About Condition" - Ashley Welch
Angelina Jolie revealed that she was diagnosed last year with Bell’s palsy, a form of temporary facial paralysis caused by damage or trauma to the facial nerves. The condition caused one side of her face to droop. She has also been diagnosed with hypertension. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but doctors have a theory. “Once other potential causes of facial paralysis are excluded, including tumor, Lyme disease, and shingles, the specific cause of Bell palsy is usually not identified,” said David Simpson, MD, professor of neurology and neuromuscular diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “The major prevailing theory concerning the cause of Bell palsy is that it is an immune reaction of the facial nerve in response to a viral infection,” Dr. Simpson added. He said treatment can include measures to protect the exposed cornea of the eye if blinking is impaired, including use of artificial tears or lubricating ointment and wearing a patch at night. “Fortunately most patients make an excellent recovery.”
- David Simpson, MD, Professor, Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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