Bell's palsy

noun

: paralysis of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face

Examples of Bell's palsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Viral infections or chronic disorders like Ménière's disease and Bell's palsy are most often the cause of vestibular neuritis. Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 In April, when Karla was nearly 24 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a facial disorder, and preeclampsia and hospitalized at Texas Children’s Hospital. Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 There is no specific test for Bell's palsy, though doctors may order tests to rule out other conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2024 According to Johns Hopkins, there's currently no cure for Bell's palsy, but recovery usually begins two to six months from the onset of symptoms. Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2024 Pregnancy raises the prevalence of Bell's palsy by two to four fold, Sarah Cross, MD, Yale Medicine OBGYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist, told USA TODAY Thursday in a statement. Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 13 July 2023 There are different treatment options for Bell's palsy, including medications to help recover facial nerve function and relieve pain. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 13 July 2023 If a nerve in the face is affected, Bell's palsy might result. Elizabeth Woolley, Verywell Health, 28 May 2023 The stress Bryan endured throughout her pregnancy led to Bell's palsy, causing paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 5 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Sir Charles Bell †1842 Scottish anatomist

First Known Use

circa 1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bell's palsy was circa 1845

Dictionary Entries Near Bell's palsy

Cite this Entry

“Bell's palsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bell%27s%20palsy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

Bell's palsy

noun
: paralysis of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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