Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis or weakness that usually occurs on one side of the face when there is damage to facial nerves. The condition may also be referred to as acute idiopathic facial palsy or Bell’s palsy syndrome.
Trauma is one of the more common causes of facial paralysis. Head trauma such as may occur in a car accident can result in skull fractures. If these skull fractures occur near or involve the course of the facial nerve, the nerve can be injured. Swelling of the nerve can result in further injury and possibly brain injury. In addition, because the facial nerve courses across the face, a deep cut on the face can potentially cut the facial nerve. Finally, certain surgical procedures can result in injury to the facial nerve.
