Bell's Palsy
When you wake up and find that one side of your face is unresponsive – the golden time is 72 hours.
First, we need to rule out stroke.
If one side of your face suddenly becomes paralyzed, you need to distinguish between two possibilities:
- Peripheral (facial palsy/Bell's palsy): The forehead wrinkles don't form, and the eye doesn't close – a problem with the facial nerve itself.
- Central (stroke): Only the area around the mouth droops, while the forehead moves, or it is accompanied by weakness in the limbs or slurred speech – call 119 immediately.
If you are unsure, it is best to go to the emergency room for confirmation.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Treatment for periorbital edema – Rapid steroid administration improves recovery rates.
If diagnosed with Bell's palsy, starting high-dose steroids within 72 hours significantly increases the chances of recovery. Antiviral medications may be used in conjunction if necessary (neurology/ENT).
- While the eye remains open, use artificial tears frequently, and apply lubricating ointment + wear an eyepatch while sleeping – preventing corneal damage is extremely important.
- Recovery typically occurs over weeks to months, and if recovery is slow, rehabilitation therapy may be combined with treatment.
- If blisters around the ear or severe pain are present, it may indicate paralysis caused by shingles (Ramsay Hunt syndrome), requiring more aggressive treatment.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
Did your mouth turn because you were sleeping in a cold place?
The evidence that cold air itself is the cause is weak; it appears to be related to viral reactivation. It's more important to start treatment quickly than to focus on the cause.
Is it okay if I only receive acupuncture treatment?
The standard treatment during the initial golden period is steroids. Even when using other treatments, it is crucial not to miss the optimal timing for initial drug administration.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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