New facial weakness needs urgent assessment. Facial droop with arm weakness or speech disturbance may be a stroke: call emergency services immediately and do not diagnose Bell's palsy yourself.
Bell's palsy is diagnosed after considering other causes. The clinician checks for ear infection, rash, injury and other signs. Early steroid assessment, especially within 72 hours, can be useful in suitable cases; treatment is clinician-selected. If the eye will not close, obtain immediate advice on drops and night protection for the cornea. Recovery varies; deterioration or persistent weakness needs reassessment.
Bring your medicine and allergy list and previous results. Your history determines which tests are needed; there is no universal extensive test package. Preparation and medicine changes should follow specific instructions from the clinic.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have sudden hearing loss, breathing difficulty, new neurological symptoms or heavy bleeding; seek urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment