Bell's palsy - How common is it?
Bell's palsy is the most common cause of sudden weakness of the face muscles.
About 1 in 60 people have Bell's palsy at some time in their life.[1]
You're most likely to get it when you are between the ages of 15 and 40. It's less common in children under 10 years of age.[1]
It affects both men and women equally. But women who are pregnant may be more likely to get Bell's palsy.[1]
References
- Peitersen E. Bell's palsy: the spontaneous course of 2,500 peripheral facial nerve palsies of different etiologies. Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum. 2002; 549: 4-30.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
