Face Drooping One Side (Munh Tedha): Bell’s Palsy or Stroke? (Video)

2:19 min

Read the full written guide: Face Drooping One Side (Munh Tedha): Bell’s Palsy or Stroke? →

If your face suddenly droops on one side, you need to act fast. This video walks you through the emergency steps, a simple eyebrow test, and the key difference between a stroke and Bell’s palsy. Learn the most important action to take right away and why home remedies can’t replace medical care. Remember, this is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s advice.

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Transcript

Sudden one-sided face droop? It could be a stroke.

Sudden one-sided face droop? It could be a stroke.

One-Sided Face Droop

If your face suddenly droops on one side, here's what to do and the key trick you’ll learn at the end.

Act Fast: Call Emergency

A stroke can block or burst a brain vessel, and clot-busting treatment works only within a few hours. Note the exact moment the droop began, keep the person calm, don’t give food, drink or any medicines, and bring their medication list or boxes. If they’re diabetic, check blood sugar quickly because very low sugar can mimic a stroke.

Call 1122

In Pakistan dial 1122; in India dial 112 for immediate help.

Eyebrow Test

Ask the person to raise both eyebrows, close eyes tightly, then smile showing teeth. In a stroke the forehead usually stays up, while Bell’s palsy drops the whole half of the face.

Bell’s Palsy Basics

Bell’s palsy is a sudden facial nerve inflammation, often after a viral infection. Symptoms include a crooked smile, drooling, eye that won’t shut, taste change, and ear pain. Most recover over weeks to months.

Myths & Eye Care

Cold fans or wind aren’t the cause; they just happen to be on when the palsy appears overnight. Warm oil, massages, threads, or electric stimulation won’t fix the nerve and can even burn a numb face. Protect the eye: use lubricating drops during the day, a thicker ointment at night, gently tape the lid closed or use a soft eye patch, wear sunglasses outdoors, and keep fans angled away from the face.

10-second arm test

Ask them to hold both arms out for ten seconds with eyes closed; weakness may signal a stroke.

The one key step

The most critical action is to call emergency right away, don’t wait, don’t self-treat. Fast care saves brain and improves outcomes.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.