Bell's Palsy
Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with Bell’s palsy every year. Persons with diabetes have a higher risk (as much as 29% greater than persons without diabetes) of being affected by this disorder.

Bell's palsy is caused by trauma to either of the seventh pair of cranial nerves (also known as the facial nerves) that control facial muscles and relay sensation from the taste buds located on the front of the tongue. Trauma to this nerve results in weakness or paralysis that in turn causes distortion of facial features and can interfere with routine functions, like eating and eye movement.

The good news is that about 80 percent of patients who suffer from the disorder recover within weeks or months and for many the recovery is complete.

Basically, the quality and duration of recovery depends on the severity of the initial injury. When the initial trauma to the nerve is minor, recovery is likely to occur rapidly. However, more significant damage can lengthen the recovery period and necessitate surgical treatment to reduce distortion of facial features and help restore function.