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MS or Bell's Palsey

I am a 53 year old female with MS for 23 years.  I had en episode of Bells Palsey 3 years ago. Noticeable droop in the left side of my face, and difficulty speaking. It happened again about a month ago, but this time less droop.  But this time my eye was more involved...in that it would not close completely. How do I tell which it is?
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5265383 tn?1669040108
I have had facial droop (also involving palate, gag reflex, swallowing and speaking issues stemming from weakness on the right side). I agree with JJ; in my case it was an ms relapse rather than Bell's palsy.

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987762 tn?1671273328
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome,

I may be misunderstanding your question but if you are asking how do you tell if a) this latest episode is Bells Palsy like the last time or b) MS because there's less droop and more eye involvement......you may need to consider an alternative, which is that the Bells Palsy was actually caused by the MS!

Whilst Bells Palsy is a common idiopathic issue throughout the general population, Bells Palsy is also associated with MS and since you already have a pre-existing diagnosis of MS, MS would be the more likely causation than any other.

I would suggest you consider if it's worth making an appointment with your MS treating neurologist to discuss the Bells Palsy dx and it's association with MS, and if the return of these previously remitted symptoms (although less severe) means you are currently experiencing a relapse....

Hope that helps.......JJ  
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