Some children suffer from Bell’s palsy, a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face sometimes caused by a virus. Most experts think that viral infections such as HSV-1 (causes cold sores), Epstein-Barr (causes mononucleosis), or influenza result in Bell’s Palsy , according to Kids Health. It also may be connected to ear infections, bad colds, infectious ingredient of Lyme disease, or trauma to the head or face, said Kids Health.
According to Kids Health, in some people the body’s immune system reacts to a virus as an inflammation of the facial nerve. When the nerve works, it gives messages from the brain to the face to close the eyes or smile or spit. But if the nerve is affected, the messages aren’t sent and this leads to weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the face, said Kids Health.
According to the Kids Health website, Bell’s palsy happens quickly, even if the virus is mild, and affects one facial nerve at a time and one side of the face, making it droop or sage.
Because the paralysis is caused by a virus that has usually passed, there is no treatment, said Kids Health, although some medications may help reduce the swelling. Once the swelling in the nerve goes down, the nerve will renew itself but it takes time usually 1-3 months, according to Kids Health.
