List of people with Bell's palsy

Buddy Hackett in 1973

List of People with Bell's Palsy details notable individuals who have been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a form of facial paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII (the Facial nerve). This condition can cause temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It may affect a person's smile, result in an inability to close the eye on the affected side, and lead to drooping of the face. The exact cause of Bell's palsy remains unknown, but it is often linked to viral infections, stress, or immune system responses.

Notable Cases

Several public figures and celebrities have been diagnosed with Bell's palsy over the years. Their experiences have helped to raise awareness about the condition and its impacts. Below is a list of some notable individuals who have publicly shared their diagnosis:

• Angelina Jolie - The acclaimed actress and filmmaker disclosed her Bell's palsy diagnosis in a 2017 interview, discussing the physical effects it had on her and how acupuncture helped her recovery.

• George Clooney - The renowned actor and director suffered from Bell's palsy during his adolescence, an experience he has occasionally spoken about in interviews, highlighting the challenges and bullying he faced.

• Pierce Brosnan - The Irish actor, best known for his role as James Bond, experienced Bell's palsy in the early stages of his career, which temporarily affected his face.

• Rick Savage - The bassist of the English rock band Def Leppard was diagnosed with Bell's palsy in 1994, and has since recovered, though he occasionally experiences some residual effects.

• Sylvester Stallone - Stallone's distinctive facial expressions and slurred speech are partly attributed to Bell's palsy, which affected the lower left side of his face before he was born, due to birth complications.

• Jim Ross - The legendary professional wrestling commentator has battled Bell's palsy multiple times throughout his career, with his first diagnosis occurring in the 1990s.

Impact and Awareness

The experiences of these individuals with Bell's palsy highlight the varied impacts the condition can have on one's life, from temporary facial paralysis to long-term recovery challenges. Their openness in sharing their stories has played a crucial role in increasing public awareness and understanding of Bell's palsy, encouraging those affected to seek treatment and support.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for Bell's palsy often involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antiviral medication if a virus is suspected to be the cause, and physical therapy to stimulate the facial nerve and muscles. Most individuals see significant improvement within three weeks to six months from the onset of symptoms, with a majority recovering completely.

See Also

• Facial nerve paralysis
• Cranial nerves
• Physical therapy