n. a sudden-onset type of paralysis involving one particular side of the face only. This facial paralysis results from a lesion or swelling in the seventh cranial nerve, also known as the facial nerve. The classic symptoms begin as pain behind the ear, followed by weakness and paralysis in the facial muscles giving rise to a distorted expression.
BELL’S PALSY: “Bell’s palsy is usually associated with a temporary form of facial paralysis which is unilateral or one-sided.”