Final answer:
Bell's Palsy is typically preceded by a viral infection and results in temporary facial paralysis. It is characterized by facial weakness or paralysis, which is often sudden and can include symptoms like drooping facial features and difficulty with facial expressions. While Bell's Palsy usually resolves on its own, it is important to differentiate it from other conditions such as GBS or cerebral palsy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bell's Palsy is a temporary facial paralysis that can occur suddenly and is often preceded by a viral infection. This neurological condition leads to a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face due to inflammation and swelling of the nerve that controls the muscles of the face. The exact etiology remains unknown, but the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most commonly associated viral agent.
Patients may experience rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of their face, which can occur over hours to days. This can result in a drooping appearance, difficulty making facial expressions, problems with speech, and difficulty closing the eye on the affected side. Pain around the jaw or behind the ear on the affected side may also be experienced. Bell's Palsy is often self-limiting, with most individuals recovering fully with or without treatment within weeks to months.