Bell’s Palsy | Causes & Risk Factors

Who is at risk for Bell’s palsy?

While the causes of Bell’s palsy are not fully known, you may be more likely to get it if you are pregnant, are between 15 and 60 years of age, or have one of the following:

• Herpes simplex
  
• Diabetes
  
• A common cold
  
• The flu
  
• Lyme disease
  
• Mononucleosis
  
• HIV or another autoimmune disorder
  
• Sarcoidosis
  

Keep in mind that most of the time these conditions will not give you Bell’s palsy. The condition only affects about 1 in every 5,000 people.

Once you have had Bell’s palsy, you have a slight chance of getting it again.