It is the most common form of paralysis and usually affects only one side of the face, symptoms appear suddenly and are usually worse 48 hours after starting. They include tics, weakness, paralysis, drooping of the eyelid and the corner of the mouth, drooling, dryness of the eye and mouth, excessive tearing, impaired taste. A viral infection is believed to cause swelling or inflammation of the facial nerve and is more likely in pregnant patients, diabetics, or people with the flu or a cold.

Treatment: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, are used to reduce swelling of the facial nerve, as well as artificial tears to improve eye lubrication. With or without treatment, most people begin to improve within 2 weeks and make a full recovery in 3 to 6 months.