Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Facial Palsy

Being diagnosed with facial palsy can be worrying. Here are important questions to discuss with your doctor at your first visit.

About My Diagnosis

  1. Is this Bell's palsy, or could something else be causing my facial weakness?
  2. Do I have complete paralysis (no movement at all) or incomplete paralysis (some movement preserved)? Why does this matter for my recovery?
  3. Do I need any tests like an MRI or nerve testing (EMG)? Why or why not?

About My Treatment

  1. What medications do you recommend, and when should I start them?
  2. How long will I need to take the medication?
  3. Are there any side effects I should watch for?
  4. Do you recommend calcium channel blockers?

About physical therapy and rehabilitation

  1. When should I start physical therapy?
  2. Are there exercises I should do at home to help my face recover?
  3. Should I see a specialist for facial rehabilitation?

About Protecting My Eye

  1. Can I close my eye completely on the affected side?
  2. What should I use to keep my eye moist and protected?
  3. Should I tape my eye closed at night?
  4. When should I see an eye doctor?

About My Recovery

  1. What are my chances of making a full recovery?
  2. How long will recovery take?
  3. What signs of improvement should I look for?

Warning signs to ask about

  1. What symptoms should prompt me to call you or return sooner?
  2. When should I come back for a follow-up visit?
  3. If I'm not improving, when would you recommend additional testing or seeing a specialist?

Practical concerns

  1. Can I continue working and doing my normal activities?
  2. Will this affect my ability to eat or drink?
  3. Is there anything I should avoid doing while I recover?

Tips for Your Appointment

01

Bring a list of all medications you currently take

02

Note when your symptoms started and how quickly they developed

03

Mention any recent illnesses, rashes, or tick bites

04

Tell your doctor if you've had facial weakness before

05

Ask for written instructions about eye care and medications

Print this page and bring it to your appointment

The right questions help your doctor focus on what matters most for your recovery.

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