Bell’s palsy, a form of temporary facial paralysis, is the result of damage or trauma to the seventh cranial nerve, the VII facial. The nerve may be swollen, inflamed, or compressed, resulting in an interruption of messages from the brain to the facial muscles. Individuals with Bell’s palsy may exhibit twitching, weakness, or paralysis on one or both sides of the face; drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth; drooling; dryness of the eye or mouth; impairment of taste; and excessive tearing in one eye. Although the symptoms appear suddenly, individuals begin to recover within two weeks and return to normal function within three to six months.