What Is Bell’s Palsy? Migraine Headache May Double the Risk

What Is Bell’s Palsy? Migraine Headache May Double the Risk
Icelandic strongman, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known for his role as The Mountain in Game of Thrones and for being “Europe’s strongest man”, is suffering from Bell’s palsy. ANGELA WEISS / Contributor/Getty Images
Updated:

Migraine headaches may double the risk of Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis). Bell’s palsy is a condition categorized by a sudden weakness in facial muscles. This muscle weakness can cause half of your face to droop and make your smile look one-sided or as if one eye is nearly closed.

Bell’s palsy can occur at any age and the cause is largely unknown. For many, Bell’s palsy is temporary and symptoms can begin to improve within a matter of weeks and full recovery can occur within months. Some individuals may experience symptoms of Bell’s palsy throughout their life, although the palsy rarely reoccurs. Associations have been made between migraines and Bell’s palsy, which led researchers to believe that migraine headaches could increase a person’s risk of developing Bell’s palsy.

Migraine May Double Risk for Bell’s Palsy

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bell’s palsy affects 40,000 people annually. Headaches affect 12 percent of the population. Study author Shuu-Jiun Wang, M.D., said, “This is a very new association between migraine and Bell’s palsy. Our study also suggests that these two conditions may share a common underlying link.”
Mohan Garikiparithi
Mohan Garikiparithi
Author
Mohan Garikiparithi, MD, practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before shifting his focus to health communications. During his practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in India. During a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed an interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine.
Related Topics