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One adverse event common to clinical trials for currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines is Bell’s palsy, an asymmetrical weakness or paralysis of the face that is often temporary.
Two vaccine recipients in the Johnson & Johnson Phase 3 clinical trial developed Bell’s palsy, as did two people in the placebo group. Another patient developed facial swelling and “droopiness” without facial asymmetry. A clinical trial investigator concluded that this event was unrelated to the vaccine.
Three vaccine recipients in the Moderna Phase 3 clinical trial developed Bell’s palsy, as did one in the placebo group. In the corresponding Pfizer-BioNTech study, four vaccine recipients developed Bell’s palsy, but no participants in the placebo group did.
The three Phase clinical trials involved some 30,000 to 40,000 volunteers.
The numerical imbalance between the rates in vaccine and placebo in the Pfizer and Moderna trials prompted FDA and CDC to monitor vaccine recipients for Bell’s palsy.
But the FDA has not concluded that those vaccines cause the condition.
CDC has stated that more data are needed to “further assess any possible causal association” and encourages people with a history of Bell’s palsy to receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines “unless they have a contraindication to vaccination.”
An article recently published in The Lancet analyzed the combined Phase 3 data from Pfizer and Moderna and concluded that the rate of Bell’s palsy across the two trials was between 3.5 and 7 times higher than the expected rate in the general population. “This finding signals a potential safety phenomenon and suggests inaccurate reporting of basic epidemiological context to the public,” the paper argues.
The article goes on to call for adequate surveillance of vaccine recipients for Bell’s palsy, but also stresses that “ the available coronavirus mRNA vaccines offer a substantial net benefit to public health.”
One hypothesis is that many Bell’s palsy cases result from viruses such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Pregnancy and diabetes increase the risk of developing the form of facial paralysis.
Researchers also have evaluated the risk of Bell’s palsy from influenza vaccines.
An inactivated intranasal influenza vaccine that debuted in Switzerland in the early 2000s was pulled off the market after researchers discovered it to have a risk of causing Bell’s palsy.
A monovalent pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine also appeared to be associated with a higher incidence of Bell’s palsy, according to the Lancet.
Filed Under: clinical trials, Drug Discovery, Infectious Disease
Suppose someone is going through bell’s palsy effects. Is the vaccine safe to take?
I currently have Bell’s Palsy, should I hold off on getting the vaccine until it is over?
I was afflicted with Bells Palsy two years ago, and still suffer the paralysis on my right side, I want to know why no one can give us any answers about this – and the potential reoccurrence if we get the shot. It can happen again, there is no immunity to BP once you have it — and anyone who does, knows that other viruses and illnesses can cause the condition to worsen.
Thanks for sharing, Stacey. One of the frustrating things about modern medicine is that a lot of conditions are idiopathic – that is, the conditions arise spontaneously or have no known cause. It is telling then that Bell’s palsy is also known as idiopathic facial paralysis. The Lancet paper mentioned in the article is interesting in that it is open to a potential causal link between mRNA vaccines and BP. It seems more data are needed to offer firmer advice.
CDC says people “who have previously had Bell’s Palsy may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.”
Dear Brian, What am I to do? I don’t want covid, but I am terrified of getting this vaccine. I had Bells Palsy in 2011. I never want it again. What is an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine?
Hi Lisa,
mRNA vaccines are a relatively new type of vaccine that use messenger RNA to coax the body into generating an immune response. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both use mRNA.
Would recommend consulting your physician. CDC has this to say on the matter:
“In the absence of such evidence, people with a history of Bell’s palsy can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Any occurrence of Bell’s palsy following COVID-19 vaccination should be reported to VAERS.”
For what it’s worth, about 1.11% of VAERS entries for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines reported facial paralysis as a side effect (278 out of 25,072). More than 90 million COVID-19 doses have been administered in the U.S.
I too had Bells Palsy in 2011. I NEVER want it again. Four people in my very small town contracted Bells Palsy after getting their covid vaccines. Numbers don’t lie. That’s enough to make me VERY concerned. Doctors can point to research studies until the cows come home. But my town is small and the number of people coming down with Bells Palsy after getting this covid vaccine should be eye opening for those of us who are predisposed to this absolutely horrible condition.
Thank you for that Lisa.
I have had Bells Palsy twice. Both times I’m told it was due to a common dormant virus in my sinuses.
So….. I definitely want to hold off in the vaccine as well.
Thank you for posting. It is hard to find people to understand the fear of getting Bells Palsy. Most don’t think facial paralysis is that bad. But. Those of us who have had it. I think we would disagree.
I agree…I’ve had Bells Palsy twice and I am very concerned about it…its not something you want again and again. I still have weakness on that side and it is not something I would want to revisit or make worse.
My rightside of face numb since 1985 and problem with right eye but live with it and received my first Moderna shot and the second night after had a frightening event and thought I was having a stroke. Feel asleep and prayed and in the morning was okay but I am afraid of the 2nd shot this week April 1. It is somewhat comforting to hear that others feel the way I do since everyone says ‘all you look fine’. It is not the crooked look but the numbness. Amen hope all of us will not get more of the bad effects.
I had a severe reaction to the H1N1 vaccine. Bell’s Palsy, Meningitis, high fever, weakness on my left side. The Bell’s Palsy is permanent. I will NEVER take the H1N1 on recommendation of my Dr& he has recommended that I not take the COVID-19 vaccine.
I’ve had bell’s palsy twice and still suffer from paralysis as well. There is NO immunity to BP you will always have it and because my episode occurred during childbirth to my son I’ve been too afraid to have another child. Post partum with BP was NO joke you don’t realize how much of a toll it places on a person! I’ve always been vaccinated with the exception of the flu vaccines and fully believe in vaccination however, I want MORE answers from J&J results as well. The fact that some scientist somewhere doesn’t deem BP to be a major side effect is BS. I want that person to go through BP and literally have people stare at you every day right after you’ve experienced birthing a child and going through post partum. I bet then it won’t be deemed such a minor side effect.
I base all research off of the NIH and this article is incredibly informational: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7906673/ (“Therefore, the observed incidence of Bell’s palsy in the vaccine arms is between 3·5-times and 7-times higher than would be expected in the general population. This finding signals a potential safety phenomenon and suggests inaccurate reporting of basic epidemiological context to the public.”) in addition to this one https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7874945/ (specific to someone with history of BP)
Based on NIH research the pfizer vaccine appears to have the highest rate of bell’s occurrence, Moderna comes in second, and so far from what I can find J&J has had 2 occurrences but no details released yet.
While the CDC says:
“In the absence of such evidence, people with a history of Bell’s palsy can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Any occurrence of Bell’s palsy following COVID-19 vaccination should be reported to VAERS.”
and while Brian Buntz says:
For what it’s worth, about 1.11% of VAERS entries for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines reported facial paralysis as a side effect (278 out of 25,072).
Given my personal history with BP and the incredible amount of time it took for me to become “normal” again with several days of living on the verge of suicide, I don’t personally believe I am a strong enough individual to voluntarily take the vaccine for science to monitor my BP. Maybe if my BP incidence was not as traumatic (didn’t happen at the same time as post partum with for the first time in my life incredible onset of depression), I would gladly volunteer myself. I do hope that others do volunteer because I believe in this vaccine and really want to be able to get this vaccine. I just wish I were lucky enough to have never had BP so I don’t even have to sit here and worry about this.
Kacey,
I understand your pain. And thank you for posting the information.
You’re absolutely right. Once you experience BP. You won’t consider it a minor side effect. I had it when I was 19 and again at 37.
I understand. It is not easy. It’s life changing.
I had Bell’s Palsey 2 times. I received the Pfitzer Covid 19 vaccine in February, I did not have any side effects from the first vaccine or from the booster.
Brian, thank you replying. Have you done any research with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and BP??? I can not find any information on it. Thank you
Hi Carol,
There was a brief discussion on Bell’s palsy in the FDA advisory meeting, and it is also mentioned in this report:
https://www.fda.gov/media/146217/download
To summarize, there were two cases each in the vaccine and placebo groups of the study. Here’s the relevant blurb from the report:
“Reports of facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) were overall balanced between vaccine and placebo recipients (2 vaccine, 2 placebo). In addition to the 2 SAEs of facial paralysis presented in Table 31 above, a third event in a 54-year-old vaccine recipient occurred on Day 19, described as facial swelling and “droopiness” with no facial asymmetry and intact cranial nerves II-XII. This event was not considered related by the investigator. In FDA’s assessment, description of this event is not consistent with facial paralysis. Two events of facial paralysis were reported in placebo recipients on Days 2 and 29.”
Thank you Brian
My bells palsey emerged in 2018 and with a long recovery I am 80 % healed today. I got the moderna vaccine. With no side effects and no recurrence of BP. Food for thought, I would rather have a bells flare up than be dead from Covid.
Thank you for this. I was diagnosed in 2017 and am still on the road to recovery and was diagnosed with PTSD due to any facial twitching causing me to panic and think I’m coming down with it again. I have been so nervous about the vaccine since I heard about the potential Bell’s. Your comment was everything I have been hoping to hear.
Thank you for this information. I, too, got BP in 2018. I am probably only 80% healed too with occasional flare ups. I have been very concerned about getting the vaccine and honestly, I’m still on the fence about it. My entire life has been upturned due to BP so going backwards is not something I can mentally or emotionally handle. Other side, getting Covid isn’t a great option either. It feels like such a toss of the coin.
I would LOVE to know if any of the people from the study had BP in the past?? I can NOT find a thing on that. I have had BP 4 times since I was
8 yrs old (38 yrs old now) and shingles twice. I don’t want my face to get worse than it already is.
I would like to know as well, I had BP 5 times and Shingles once. I’m scheduled for the Pfizer vaccine later this month.
Let me know how you do please, my 25 yr old had Bells Palsy at 15 so on the fence with this vaccine
I developed Bell’s Palsy four days after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. I have a past history of severe Bell’s Palsy with resultant mild eye lid drooping. I have a history of herpes cold sores, and also had an outbreak of them after receiving the vaccine. Also had headaches, sleepiness, and brain fog. My doctor and I have decided to wait on the second vaccine until there is more data for fear of a more severe neurological response. It is better than COVID and I have no regrets having the first dose. Our area is behind the curve in vaccine rollout and I think the shot is better in someone else’s arm as so many are waiting anxiously for their first dose. . My MD thinks I should have acceptable immunity after one dose, and I will continue to mask and follow safety protocols until more information is available. I do fear a more severe reaction, since so many have said the second dose is worst than the first.
I experienced the same thing as Kath, although I have never had BP before, and approximately thirty minutes after my 2nd Prizer COVID vaccine (in the car driving back from the vaccine) my face, on the side I had the shot (right side) felt numb; on the right side of my face. My teeth were even tingling, my eye lid, my right ear, the right side of my face. My face showed no signs of BP, yet after two days of trying to hydrate a lot, and taking tylenol, with no help, I researched online and found that my symptoms were similar to BP. I fortunately had a prednisone pack for an emergency situation for my back (degerative back diseases), and within an hour of taking the first dose, the tingling started to subside. I felt so relieved. Two full days of tingling, what if I waited and never took prednisone? I was glad this was my second shot as I am not sure what I would have done if it were my first.
I have been told most likely I was dehydrated, which could enhance symptoms for the vaccine. I am not sure if that is true or not. I am almost 100% better, yet my upper teeth on the right side still do not react to hot or cold water, especially noticeable when comparing with the left side of my mouth. I do feel a slight tingling sensation on the right side of my face and my right ear.
I had mono several years back, and do notice I am back to being more tired, so perhaps that is why I responded to the vaccine?
I reported my symptoms to the proper website, and did get confirmation they received my reaction to the vaccine.
I wanted to share my experience in case it helps others.
I too developed Bell’s Palsy four days after receiving the Moderna vaccine. I DO NOT have a past history of Bell’s Palsy. My symptoms were on the entire right side of my face, which was the side of the injection. Today is the 14th day following my injection, and my symptoms have slowly disappeared but are not completely gone yet. My question is, do I get the second dose? I do not want to go through this again, and fear the second round will be even worse than the first. I did – in fact – report my symptoms on the VAERS website immediately after it occurred, but have not received any follow up or contact at all. Also, it was suggested that I possibly get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, in place of the second Moderna. Where can we go for some serious advice? My clock is ticking as my 28-day timeline is approaching. Thank you.
Don’t – you will be sufficiently protected from one dose. Talk to your doctor, but my doctor says one should suffice. Also.. Good luck with the Bells. I hope you heal well.
I developed BP slight case 2 days after getting Moderna. Never had this before in my life (58 yrs). It was on the same side I received my shot the left side.
Same with me and I’m 63. Did you get the 2nd shot?
The right side of my face went numb about 30 minutes after receiving the Moderna vaccine. This numbness was on the same side that I received my shot. It slowly faded away after 16 hours. My doctor, and the head of the medical group’s pharmacy department, concluded it was likely the beginning of Bell’s Palsy. They both advised me not to get the second shot. At my doctor’s advice, I am waiting until the summer to look into another vaccine. There are just too many unknowns. I’m hoping to have more info to help with a decision by then.
I had Bells Palsy twice, both times two days after a flu shot and spaced several years apart. The last episode was in 2009. Since then I have been advised not to have the flu vaccine, shingles or pneumonia. I am terrified of getting Bells Palsy again and am waiting for more info and for my infectious disease doctor to advise me. So far he told me to wait. All my friends have had the second shot and I am 81 and not sure what I am allowed to do if I don’t get the vaccine. Can I be indoors in their homes, restaurants, etc?
I got my 1st Pfizer vaccine today and had a very similar experience. Had injection in right arm. 30 minutes post vaccination the right side of my face went numb. A few hours post vaccination, fortunately I could feels sensation again, but the right side of my face still feels a bit strange. I have no history of Bells Palsy. I have a few weeks to think about it, but seriously doubt I will get the second shot.
I had BP years ago right before delivering my 1st child. Also have had shingles. The nerve in my face did heal but it is very easily aggravated by wind which causes slight drooping and ear pain. I did get the JJ shot yesterday. I’m very nervous about it but hoping for the best. Only people that have experienced BP understand the fear. There should be more updates on the cases but instead they say it’s safe. Only time will tell
Please update how you did after the J and J shot…Ive had bp twice and worried about getting it again.
Please let us know how you do after the 2nd shot…Take Good Care of You…
Please update after JJ shot. I too had BP several years ago. It is 99% healed, but so worried about getting vaccine and also getting this virus. If it weren’t for the Bell’s palsy I would be getting the vaccine right away as I have a daughter with medical issues. Wondering if JJ would be safer
Hi Jan, Thank you for your post. Did you have any side effects after the J&J Vaccine in terms of Bell’s palsy etc. Greatly appreciate if you can share your experience. Thanks
My episode of BP was after the swine flu vaccine in 1973. It lasted 2 1/2 months and I got about 70% return of function. Since then I have not received any flu vaccines and I have only had the flu twice. The risk of BP worries me far more than COVID-19. I’ve had a 90 year old sister and an 82 year old brother who both contracted the virus with non-severe symptoms. There’s more to the story than we’re being told.
I agree that we need more research updates, especially comparing J&J VAERS BP results so that better informed patient decisions can be made.
I had BP almost 14 years ago. Unfortunately, with lasting paralysis. I am super scared taking a vaccine, as BP is a genetic thing, nothing you can do about it.. and if I should get BP in the other side of my face.. I will no longer be able to speak, swallow or blink. I had high hopes for the J&J vaccine, but seeing as they also had two cases.. It appears I will have to claim my medical exemption. Not going to risk my life to keep public safe.
I also had Bells Palsey and have 1/2 of my face with mild drooping still after years. I do not get flu shots and am petrified to have the Covid Shot because of more damage. My doctor advised me not to have the Covid Shot yet. I don’t want to catch Covid either. I could use some advice.
Hi Tricia, would recommend having an ongoing discussion with your doctor as more data becomes available. Based on the Phase 3 trial data, the rates of BP was lowest in the J&J trial and balanced among placebo and vaccine recipients — that is, the rates were essentially the same.
Most medical experts have not linked BP with COVID-19 vaccines, but this Lancet article (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00076-1/fulltext) suggests there could be a link with the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Again, more information is needed to reach a firm conclusion.
Thank you to everyone that has responded with their stories and personal experience. I had Bell’s Palsey in 2016 while pregnant with my daughter. It took about 3 months after her birth for majority of issues to resolve. I would say about 85% of my nerve function returned in the right side of my face. I also have had Lyme disease in the past. I want to get the COVID vaccine, but am worried about a reoccurrence. I am wondering if J&J would be a better option than Moderna or Pfizer? I will keep doing my research until my group is allowed to get the vaccine.
I got BP 20 years ago and it never went away. By that I mean I was much sicker the first 5 years and have kept the chronic fatigue, insomnia and bouts of being worse sometimes than others. I was left with L facial motor paralysis and the effects of the infection having severed a nerve bundle. Even now I can have transient bouts of a very cold face, L facial muscles being pulled to the side, L eye smaller than before. It can feel like you do the day before you get the flu. I take Valacyclovir 1000mg twice a day and that helps, I’ve taken it for over 10 yrs. I too would like to find a safe way to take the vaccine. I have decided perhaps J&J, tho it is not as good for older people because of a lesser antibody response. I’ve wondered if my symptoms are a sign of an ongoing infection, or are the result of nerve damage from the original infection. I am told to take the vaccine. I’m curious what you guys might think
I had BP almost 18 yrs ago (L side). I still have one eye smaller & tightness in my face on the left. I am very self conscious about my appearance. Needless to say BP has taken a toll on my life physically, emotionally & psychologically. To say, I don’t want BP ever again is putting it mildly. Those scientists & doctors who quote statistics or recommendations, to consider the risks of Covid vs BP have certainly not had BP. I realize both diseases are horrible, but saying to weigh the risks in deciding to get the vaccine or not, does not help my dilemma or I suppose any of the others who have had BP. To say this to me only adds to my dilemma & frustration & I can only guess to others as well. I just want to know what to do! It feels like I am talking to a brick wall when I ask my doctor what to do. He only repeats what I read the scientist are saying. I had the Coronavirus 9 months ago & was blessed to have a very mild case & I didn’t have to be hospitalized. I have serious underlying conditions, mainly heart problems & am elderly (74); therefore, I do need the vaccine, but I am scared out of my wits to get it due to my history with BP. It seems strange to me that people in the test groups for all three vaccines came down with BP! Come on, all three!!! Maybe it wasn’t a lot of people, but to me those numbers don’t matter. The fact that it even happened is what concerns me. We are told, “more info is needed”, to determine if the vaccine causes BP. Big deal! I would prefer being told by the scientist to not get it until we know for sure, rather than get the vaccine and wait & see if you get BP. And, if you get BP just report that you got it. Let them get it & I am sure the tune will change. In the meantime I have cancelled two appointments due to my fear. I suppose the only thing left to do is “pray”. Well wishes to any & every one in the same boat I am in.
If you HAD the viral infection, why are you thinking of getting vaccinated? Did you have your antibody titer checked and it’s non-existent? If you didn’t produce an immune response to the virus itself, you may not produce one to the vaccine. THIS is the discussion you should have with your doctor. First thing is to check your antibody titer.
I too had BP two years ago. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. First shingles then the Bell’s Palsy. Effects are not totally gone. My one eye still droops. It lasted for 6 months. Felt like I had bugs crawling on the side of my face. The thought of getting BP again has stopped me from getting the vaccine. I asked my pharmacist to research for me and the suggestion was don’t get the shot. I feel the pharmacist was the first person to listen to me. I feel the pain and fear of BP is being minimized, although I don’t want Covid either. May have had it already though when I returned from NY in January of 2020. I will wait until I collect more data.
I had BP about 12 years ago. Was given the Moderna Vaccine within minutes started to feel tingling on my upper lip, the same side as shot was given. Within the 1/2 hr. My left side of face felt swollen and numb. It’s been 2wks, still have numbness and pain . Dr. advises no second dose.
Do you treat bell’s palsy from covid vaccinations?
If so when and with what?
Thanks.
I’ve just come across this information that suggests there is treatment for Bell’s Palsy. My guess though is that if one is not in a major area it might be hard to find.
Here are 2 links that seem possibly helpful:
1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Bells-Palsy-Fact-Sheet#3050_4
2. : https://www.google.com/search?q=cranial+nerve+7&oq=cranial+nerve+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i433l7.7438j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
(Actually the 2nd link is rather a search result showing more links to relevant information )
Lastly, here’s a video that shows how to diagnose using a variety of tests (done by hand so can be tried in a mirror).
https://youtu.be/Tipup3mEv2g
I contracted Bells Palsy in 2018 – 4 days after and as a result of the TDap vaccine.
I have gone back & forth over getting Covid vaccine. Dr has promised I could have a prescription of prednisone at the ready at first sign of any issues should I get the vaccine.
I’m 59 and no underlying health issues. I know people can die of Covid and you might not die of BP but it can make you wish you were dead!
I fortunately recovered to about 95% but if I were to get Covid vaccine knowing what we’re learning about the BP risks and subsequently develop BP without a good recovery I would regret the decision for the rest of my life.
Not able to smile, not able to blink, drooling, lifting lip with other hand to put spoon in my mouth…I agree with the other posters, if the drs recommending the vaccine had BP themselves they would better understand our fears.
I contracted BP after a Swine Flu vaccination in 1973. I started prednisone almost immediately after contracting BP and was on it for six weeks. It did nothing. Prednisone is not a cure. I never fully recovered. Still have only about 70% recovery of facial function.
Since 1973, some people have tried to convince me to have flu vaccines. I decline. I believe for the most part that there isn’t a general knowledge among physicians of BP and the form of Herpes virus that causes it. If you have never experienced it, you can’t possibly comprehend the devastating effect. When they produce a vaccine that hasn’t shown episodes of BP in the clinical trials, I will consider having it.
I Googled forever and finally happened upon this site…Grateful! I’ve had BP for two years. Much improved but with synkinesis lingering. I had Covid in November, not hospitalized. I am experiencing long hauler symptoms, and so I do my own research to address my symptoms since Drs appear unable to incorporate or accommodate this reality. I have not considered getting the vaccine. All of the contributors here understand and many certainly acknowledge the fact that “it’s early” in the research for all of us BP people. It’s bad enough that the Drs typically have a lack of insight regarding BP…and 99% of what i know and what has helped me heal to this extent, I found out on my own. So, I will follow the literature and hope that we will all get to a point of trust in the safety of a vaccine we all certainly need…No doubt.
i have had BP two times in my past and currently in the middle of my 3rd bout – wondering if it makes sense to try to get the johnson and johnson vaccine as it is only 1 dose?
i get regular flu shots and have had the shingles vaccine – never an issue with BP
I am terrified to get it again! i am assuming i should wait until i am recovered from this bout?
thanks
it is so good to find these comments…I don’t feel alone in my fear for taking the vaccine after having bp twice (interesting when I got it twice it was supposed to be very rare but from these posts I see its not as rare as I thought) My hope was finding the J and J vaccine somewhere as at least it was jus a one time shot, but now I’m not even sure thats and option as of yet. If anyone does get the J and J please post back if you had a symptoms etc. Its so hard to find real information on this.
I got my 2nd Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot on 28 February and got diagnosed today with bell’s Palsey! Coincidence? I don’t know yet. The doctor doesn’t know either but its very weird timing to say the least. I hope I can make a full recovery but I can’t help but feel this is very funny timing for this to occur.
A week ago the right side of my tongue suddenly started feeling slightly numb and I lost taste on that side of the tongue. A few days later, my eyes were bothering the hell out of me and blurred vision. Then, last night, my bottom lip in the right became numb so I visited my clinic who took me to ER where I got diagnosed.
I am very curious now to hear if this really is just weird timing or is there a certain amount of people prone to getting BP after taking the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
I had my second vaccine on Feb. 17th and was diagnosed March 13th with Bell’s Palsy. I do think that it was a side effect to the vaccine. I would do it again, even knowing this, because I am confident that vaccines are the only path to eradicate Covid.
Had the 1st Pfizer vaccine a week ago. 30 minutes after I felt that my cheeks were going numb. I panicked and almost went to the ER, but it got better the next day. Now it has been off and on, but less intense than the fist day. Today I am feeling it again. It is on both sides. I never had BP. I do have cold sores. Would this be an early sign? Is there a specific test to detect BP? I am calling my Doctor tomorrow. I have seasonal pollen allergy and sinus congestion and I was hoping that as the allergy gets better, the numb feeling would dissapear.
My son had BP in 2016, at the age of 20. It was due to Lyme disease. It lasted for almost 3 weeks and now he feels slightly uneven near the lips. Should he go for COVID vaccine? He has been scheduled on 27th March. Please advise.
I had BP at age 9. I have had shingles 3 times, first at age 10. It took forever to get an appointment for vaccination. Now, after reading these posts, I don’t know what to do. I am 66. Scared of covid. Scared of the vaccination.
I’ve had BP once several years ago and I’m also afraid to get vaccine and afraid to get COVID
I got the 1st Pfizer vaccine shot and 9 days later diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Hard to say this is a coincidence. My doctors tend to agree but of course can’t confirm it. I’m only 5 days out from initial diagnosis. I will probably not get the 2nd shot but am still discussing with my doctors.
I, too had BP in 2018. A pretty bad case. Spinning so bad I had to go to the hospital. I am still suffering with ringing in the ears, feeling off balance and my face droops at times and sometimes my eye looks smaller. I am on the fence bout getting the vaccine. If I were to go for it I would choose the J&J. The only reason I would get it is because I want to be able to travel. Also because I got BP on my right side I was thinking of getting the vaccine on my left side, my stronger side. I’m afraid if I get it in the right side that it would never heal.
I too had BP after my 1st Pfizer vaccine on 3/20/21. I do not have a history of BP. A few minutes after I got the shot in my L arm the L side of my face started going numb. I requested assistance from the paramedics in the observation room at the vaccination site & they immediately took my blood pressure which had shot up quite high (it’s usually normal). My blood pressure went back to normal in 30-40 min but the BP got worse for 2-3 hours, then started going away. Most of the numbness went away in ~48 hours. I have been reporting daily to the CDC via VAERS. Note that the CDC says I should not take any more mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) but I can take a J&J vaccine in 28 days. I’m discussing this with my doctor tomorrow.
I have had Bell’s palsy twice
And I will not do morderna or pziezer. Right now I am taking lysine. It is known to prevent the herpes virus and the virus that causes Bell’s palsy. My idea is to take lysine every day including vitamin B vitamin C and make sure I’m fully rested before I take Johnson and Johnson vaccine. I will also drink Raw beetsmoothies and exercise a lot before the injection. I am supplementing myself for at least 40 days and will continue taking a regimen after I get the vaccine and not exhaust myself.
I too have had BP several times. I have drooping of my right eye and can feel the nerves in my face, tingling. I am petrified to get the vaccine, my doctors have said to wait. I feel like I have damage to the facial nerve already and don’t want Bells again. I will wait for more testing before I get any vacine that may cause BP again.
My husband got the Moderna Vaccine on Staurday March 14, 2021 at WalMart. I also got vaccinated that Day with Pfiser vaccine at CVS. We had no side affects right afer the shot. We felt lucky. BUT, yesterday-nine days later— Tuesday, March 23, my husband started feeling numbness on the left side of his face and then he felt his mouth drooping and he could not close his left eye fully. After emergency room visit at Capital Health System Hospital in Hopewell NJ–he got a Catscan and MRI and was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. The neourologist said it is caused by a virus which causes inflamation of the 7th nerve which controls the face movements. No one mentioned anything about it being caused by the vaccine.
Today, after talking with a cousin whose mother has had Bells Palsy twice we researched this—and found the references to Side affects of Covid 19 Vaccince—Moderna and Pfiser. This is very distrurbing. We will now consult with our doctors to determine if it is safe for my husband to take the second Moderna Shot. I feel it is not a wise decision—-this Bells Palsy is not a light reaction–this is a serious reaction that needs attention. More information is needed.
I had bell’s palsy many years ago with lingering symptoms…. Just had my second moderna shot today but as a precaution, I asked for prednisone from my doctor. Prednisone if taken within 72 hours of symptoms can bring down the inflammation that causes the facial nerve damage.
Or NOT! I was given prednisone within 4 hours of the onset of symptoms. It did absolutely nothing for me. It’s an unpredictable disease.
I’m on my third BP attack. My face and Eye have never been normal since Y2K. I try to avoid anything that stresses me out. Brian I appreciate you sharing your findings. I appreciate all of your testimonies … a reminder that I’m not alone in this isolating illness. I just can’t take a chance of another relapse of BP. No COVID shot for me💜
I developed Bells Palsy for the first time, three weeks after Moderna vaccine on the same side as the vaccine. I am a 65 year old woman and I am completely devastated by the paralysis and pain of this. It’s been three weeks now and I have no recovery so far at all. I have been advised not to take the second dose. I went to ER thinking I was having a stroke, they put me on prednisone and valacyclovir and diagnosed Bell’s palsy. I’m hopeful for recovery
I received the Pfizer vaccine 1st dose on 03/10 and woke up with Bell’s Past on 03/14. I have never had Bell’s Palsy before. I believe the vaccine gave me Bell’s Palsy and do not want to get the 2nd shot as it has been 2 weeks and my face is still paralyzed.
Received 1st Pfizer vaccine 03/10 woke up with the left side of my face completely paralyzed on 03/14. I rushed to the emergency room and had MRI, CT scan, blood work, EKG. I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. I have never had this before and I am 63. It is now 2 weeks and I can partially shit my left eye but everything else is still frozen. This is the worst thing I have ever had In my entire life. I pray it will go away but after reading many of the stories of BP online, it sounds like many people have lasting effects. I will not be getting the 2nd shot although my doctors all say that the shot did not cause the Bell’s Palsy. I do not believe that this is not a direct result of the vaccine. By law all doctors are required to report any side vaccine side effects to the VAERS website. Neither the emergency room doctor or my GP did so. I filled out the report myself. We will never get proper documentation of the link between Bell’s Palsy and the vaccine if the doctors do not report this reaction to the FDA and the CDC each and every time there is an occurrence!
Would like to know if J&J vaccine is safer to get instead of Pfizer or Moderna if I have had BP in the past?
I’ve had BP twice. Once on each side. The most recent was March of 2020. I’ve made an appointment for the Pfizer vaccine this coming week. After reading these reports and the personal testimonies I’ve decided to cancel the appointment. I’ll wait until I can find a location offering the J&J vaccine and continue to monitor reports of BP after vaccination before I decide to get it.
Hi Randy,
Did you end up getting the J&J vaccine? Any issues? I have also had BP twice and am considering the J&J.
Thank you.
Updating I had the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine yesterday and so far so good. I will keep you all updated if I see any change. I have had Bells Palsy twice so I was greatly concerned about a reoccurance.
How are you doing now? thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Cathy,
I have also had BP twice. The last instance was mid-March of this year, and I am still in slow recovery, so I am resistant to getting any of the Covid vaccines. I will consider the J&J. Can you tell me how it affected you, please? Any BP side effect at all? Thank you for answering—it will help all of us BP patients so much.
Thank you to everyone sharing their stories. I had a TB scan in 2012 (a requirement for new teachers in NJ) and 3 days later, pain above and behind my left ear (a burning feeling, also felt like pin pricks). Two days after that, I went to take a sip of water and it poured out of the left side of my mouth! By the time I got home from work that night, I could not blink my left eye or raise the left side of my mouth. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with BP. It was a terrifying ordeal to say the least especially after learning that it might not go away. I saw a neurologist who prescribed Valtrex and explained that BP is sometimes caused by the a virus. I was lucky that the treatment and the BP was fully gone in a little over a month. Many of you shared how distressing your experiences were. I’m right there with the commenter who mentioned suicidal thoughts. I never, ever want to go through this again. I wish I could find more information on whether those who’ve had BP before are more prone to a another bout after getting the shots. I’m 56, no underlying conditions, no meds, healthy lifestyle. Please continue to update your post-shot experiences.
I have had the dreaded palsy since the mid 1980’s and have been living with it for more than half of my life. I hate it and everything about it. I have a 19 year old son and have never had my picture taken with him. I was due to get my first vaccine tomorrow but cancelled it because I realised it was the Pfizer vaccine. Yes I am scared of the virus as although I have never smoked and tried to lead a healthy (ish) life I have been ill for 4 months and the doctors say I have Chronic Bronchitis. BUT the fear of another palsy far far outweighs the fear of the virus. I don’t mean to sound flippant, but that is my fear and like nearly every story I have read here. I can’t go through it all again. I receive Botox injections to help with the palsy and I have read that this can also have heighten the risk of a bad facial reaction. People think I am stupid for refusing the vaccine. But they are not the ones living with BP and don’t understand.
I think everyone here is so brave for being honest and talking about it.
I received dose 2 of the Pfizer vaccine on January 23rd and two weeks later got BP. I did have BP 12 years ago. I reported it on the FDA website.
I had Bell’s palsy in the 90’s and had a full recovery. I am 64 now. It started after a viral infection. I am a manual physical therapist and luckily was able to get some therapy to hasten my recovery. It is caused by either a virus or compression on the facial nerve where it exits the skull. If anyone gets BP try and find a manual therapist or osteopath that does craniosacral therapy. It is very important to get treated in the first 5 days to relieve the compression. Besides the cranial therapy there are specific PT exercises that can help. Last year I did treat 1 pt. who had had it for a least a year. She did improve somewhat. For those of you that have had it multiple times I would try seeing a naturopath they have more experience helping with viruses than medical doctors. Their approach is strengthen the body and the immune system to rid the body of viruses. The immune system is dampened when you are stressed and that when the body is more vulnerable. I also NEVER want to have BP again! I am leaning towards not getting vaccinated especially when they are already talking about boosters without any trials.For those of you who choose not to get vaccinated: Vitamin D is protective from any respiratory virus. Sun is the best source if you don’t get burned, and are not afraid of the sun. 20 minutes at noon gives you a lot of vitamin D, sunscreen prevents the body from making it. Healthy life styles are your best bet health and avoiding BP: Lots of veggies and fruit, sleep, decrease stress levels, exercise , social engagement( social distancing of course), and all of the covid precautions. It is not gone yet.
I had BP in 2015 on the left side, took a few months to recover and on the right side in 2018, took near a year to bounce back from and I still have slight issues from it. I’ve been following case studies as, like many others, I’m really stressed about the vaccination in regards to BP. If you’ve lived BP once and especially even more so twice or more, you get it.
I’m much more interested in other’s comments who have had BP and or got it after the shots than I am about PR spin about the vaccinations. Yes, I believe in vaccinations, they are very important. Just look at history and how they have helped. However, for those of us with underlying conditions and certain medical history, such as BP, it adds a huge curve
When you get BP you’re told good news is about 80 percent recover. Well, that means 20 percent to not. And, if you’d played those odds more than once, hello.
I believe I had covid but it was at the start of last year. Felt like broken glass in my lungs, chills, vomiting, migraine headaches etc. I eventually went to urgent care. This was at the start of Covid really being in the news. Testing for covid was still rare and hard to get at this point. I was given prednisone to help curb another possible BP episode. About a month later, I found out I’d been at a small gathering where the host did test positive for Covid days after the dinner party (better insurance and bigger city that testing could be found in,)
So, I’m now left with stressing over the vaccine and a possible third case of BP and if I’d be lucky enough to beat the BP odds yet again. That with the possibility I already had covid so maybe my body would deal with shots better. UGH.
Thank you to everyone who has commented. I have searched and searched online and this is the first place I’ve found those with BP actually chiming in, especially those who got it after the shot.
Yes, we are all basically anonymously commenting here and someone could be not telling the truth. However, in regards to the the number of responses so far, I’d hope that is not the case.
If I had BP once, I’d still be worried about the shot, having it twice, well, like many, it is really stressful.
And, in regards to posts of one commenting they would would rather have BP than be dead from Covid, I get that. However, again, if you’ve had BP one or more times, it puts a very different outlook on rushing in to get the vaccine, especially the two shot version.
Thanks again for all those who commented, I really appreciate it. I’ve felt like a rarity up until this story and the comments.
I had BP 6 years ago – got my first Moderna shot on March 4th and on the 26th came down with BPalsey again. Was supposed to get the second vaccine on April 1st and doc said to hold off a few weeks. I consulted with my neurologist and he said he is not recommending the second shot for his Bell’s P patients. I regret getting the first one and wish the CDC was updating and publishing data on this. Clearly, if all these comments are true there are more cases like this than we think.
Than you for sharing your experiences. Will greatly appreciate any feedback from anybody with history of Bell’s palsy after getting the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks.
Hi, I had a bad case of BP in 2011 from unknown causes and am mostly (but not completely) recovered after full paralysis on one side and not being able to close my eye for 6 months. I completely agree with other commenters about the stressfulness of this experience. I try to make sure my non-BP side of the face is turned toward the camera in family pictures. Silver lining of wearing a mask outdoors: it keeps my BP side of the face warmer and less stiff.
After reading the reports of the clinical trials and the higher rates of BP in the vaccinated groups in the Moderna and Pfizer trials – and knowing that I am at higher risk for a repeat BP case having already suffered it once – I elected not to take a chance on the mRNA vaccines and received a J&J dose nearly 3 weeks ago now. I am happy to say I had no trouble with the BP, though I did react (fever and chillsO).
For those with long-term BP cases, I also highly recommend facial exercises to improve facial function and reduce synkinesis. Very low-dose botox injections have also helped me. University of Michigan Hospital has a superb facial nerve clinic out of their otolaryngology department, and I believe there are similar programs at U of Wisconsin and elsewhere.
Hope everyone can stay as healthy as possible and not have to choose between risking a BP recurrence and a covid infection.
I have a history of Bells Palsy as well (a few years ago) and fortunately recovered with only a slightly crooked smile as a permanent residual effect. However I have zero desire to go through it again and risk additional long-term or permanent issues. I’m not totally unconcerned about COVID, but I don’t live in fear of it either. I’m hoping that by attempting to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible, my immune system will ultimately get me through if I do happen to be exposed. Frankly I’d prefer to take my chances with COVID than with the vaccine, especially given how much we now know about therapeutics to treat the disease. What concerns me more than anything is that the medical community, the government and society at large appear to be adamant about everyone being vaccinated with little regard for the individual’s concerns and/or medical history. As others have mentioned, if you’ve never lived with Bells Palsy, maybe it’s easier to shrug it off as a minor adverse event. But the bottom line is BP has the potential to cause permanent disfigurement. I don’t feel I should have to take that risk just to be able to board a flight, or go on a cruise ship or travel to another country. Am I expected to live the rest of my life as a recluse because I don’t have a “vaccine passport?”
If 1.11% of VAERS entries for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines reported facial paralysis as a side effect (278 out of 25,072) and there are some reported cases for J & J vaccine as well (on the VAERS Website) , how come the CDC website doesn’t mention anything about the VAERS report, but only states that :
People who have previously had Bell’s palsy may receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Cases of Bell’s palsy were reported following vaccination in participants in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider these to be more than the rate expected in the general population. They have not concluded these cases were caused by vaccination.
Regarding The Lancet analysis that concluded that the rate of Bell’s palsy across the two trials was between 3.5 and 7 times higher than the expected rate in the general population, I would like to add that the occurrence was not split 50-50 by sex as expected in the general population. In the Moderna trial, all three cases of Bell’s palsy in the vaccinated group were female, and one male reported Bell’s palsy in the placebo group. Pfizer did not disclose the sex of the four cases of Bell’s palsy in the vaccinated group.
I had the BP when I was 16 (35 years ago )about 70 percent recover.
I’m very afraid to get the vaccine. My Doctor told me to wait maybe the J&J will better for me.
I’m also taking Xarelto – blood thinner.
Thanks for posting everyone. We need to get the word out. I have never had BP, male in great health, 45+, had my first shot of Moderna on 3/29 and within 1 day started getting face twitching and numbness. Had other fogginess and tunnel vision issues. But the real issue was my entire upper cheekbones feeling numb and the right side of my face below my eye with near-constant visible twitching by the 2nd week. Thank God it is trailing off & praying for it to go away completely. I am not getting the second shot as I 100% believe this came from the vaccine. It is too scary, especially b/c BP can last so long. BP is reported as temporary yet anyone on this site knows it is not always the case. I did post my results on the FDA site to help get the data reported. Praying for all of you too! God Bless!
Ditto your thanks to all for posting on this. People do not seem to understand how devastating the effects are. They understand it for burn victims, or birth deformities, but the threat of the recurrence of Bell’s palsy is not getting due attention in the medical world, or socially.
I found this study:
https://nn.neurology.org/content/7/5/e781.abstract hat describes the mechanism of how COVID 19 itself that can cause GBS/ Bells Palsy:
“Conclusions: Emerging data indicate that COVID-19 can trigger not only GBS but other autoimmune neurological diseases necessitating vigilance for early diagnosis and therapy initiation. Although COVID-19 infection, like most other viruses, can potentially worsen patients with pre-existing autoimmunity, there is no evidence that patients with autoimmune neurological diseases stable on common immunotherapies are facing increased risks of infection.”
So- a normal vaccine might be expected to produce symptoms, as that’s what they are supposed to do to give us immunity… However, I’m not sure then why the vaccines using the RNA/DNA Non traditional means of delivery are causing the the symptoms, since they are supposedly not using the virus to immunize against the virus. I also wonder if the means by which we contracted our Bell’s Palsy affects our chances of getting it after this vaccine?
My onset of BP was when I had Mono as a teen. An autoimmune thing. Is that related? Could the original cause determine our chances?
Either way, given this info, I’m thinking that one might be better off considering the shots that supposedly do not deliver the virus as traditional vaccines do to create immunity.
Thanks to you all for your posts, and thank you Brian Buntz for your post!
Thank you for sharing. I too am a very healthy 41 year old female that was waiting until we knew more about the Covid vaccine to get it. I was pressured by my doctor to get it so I finally caved. I had my first Moderna shot on 5/15, no symptoms the first couple of days. But come the third day I noticed that when I sneezed or blew my nose I felt a twitching on the right side of my face just below my eye. I didn’t think anything about it until I noticed it more and more each time I sneezed (it is Allergy season). I haven’t gotten the full on numbness and visible twitching but it does concern me. Praying you have made a full recovery!!
I received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and noticed a tightening above my both of my cheekbones 4 days later (mostly on the left side, shot was in the right arm). Dr said my throat was red. He gave me steroid (Prednisone) treatment to reduce the inflammation. After 1 week on it my throat looks normal but the tightness is still there. Will visit the dr again.
thank you everyone – it’s so nice to feel understood and heard!
I’ve had bell’s 3 times now and have recovered each time, with some synkinesis and anxiety as a lasting side effect. I definitely do not want it again and was completely disappointed when I heard news about the potential link between the vaccine and BP. I’m also learning towards J&J but am extremely nervous and weary of getting BP again. My doctor has agreed that it might be best to wait it out and see if more research will be released.
I’ve been going to an acupuncturist for anxiety, but she also has a specialty in healing plans for people with BP. The last time I saw her (2 weeks ago), she told me that she was treating a client with BP, which also happens to be 30 days after receiving the vaccine. Although I don’t have more specifics, it still terrifies me. Those who have not had BP will not understand why it’s a scary decision for us to make. Thank you to everyone who has posted and shared their stories and thoughts.
Everyone in my family has now been safely vaccinated (except myself- because of fear of BP recurrence- & 1 other reother (for their own reasons).
Rite Aid Moderna vaccine sign up form asked specifically i have had Guilan- Barré (Bell’s Palsy) (along with other questions). So, I’m signed up & will go ahead and get dose # 1 of Moderna on the 22 of May. I’ll report back here, in case that helps anyone in their decision. Everybody cross your fingers for me:)
Thanks to everyone for posting
Hi, Were you able to get the vaccine and if so did you have any side effects from it. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Hi, I had the 2nd dose of Moderna vaccine on Juneteenth (the 19th).
No sign (yet?) of Bell’s Palsy. as of today, that’s 6 days ago. Only a few days of a sore rm (injection site and a bit tired for a few days. Easily tolerable.
If I do get a BP reaction at a later date later, I will report it here.
Thank you so much for the update! Hope you do fine & don’t get BP ever.
CDC has now lifted the mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated and has recommended everybody who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated, but doesn’t address those who are unable to get vaccinated, like people who had either reactions to the vaccine or those who have a history of Bell’s palsy etc. The CDC website/ COVID-19 response team press conference still talks about cases of Bell’s palsy reported following vaccination in participants only in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, but still doesn’t talk about cases that were caused by vaccination outside the trials. ( >1.11% of VAERS entries for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines reported facial paralysis as a side effect (> 278 out of 25,072).
I just found this website today and it is wonderful! I had Bell’s Palsy in 2006, and it did not go away, so I have a paralyzed right side of my face: no smile that side and R. eye does not close. I had some PT for it but that did not help either, so I have learned to live with it. It effects my speech in certain ways–makes certain sounds difficult to articulate properly. I have had speech therapy for that and it does help. It has been devastating in so many ways. People used to tell me I had a beautiful smile, but now my smile is pretty weird. This is the first website I’ve found in all those years with other afflicted people talking about their experiences, and it is food for the soul. Although I am 70 years old, I am in good health other than the facial paralysis, and thus I have no plan to ever get the Covid vaccines. There are so many unknowns,and the doctors/scientists who talk about Bell’s Palsy have certainly never had it themselves. As so many here have said, you can’t possibly know what it’s like until you’ve had it. Thank you all for commenting on here: all of you are courageous and brave people dealing with this difficult problem and trying to make the best decision possible for your own situation with really no real , informed guidance from the medical profession. I wish all of us here the very best during this time and beyond.
I’m so frustrated. I got my first Pfizer Vaccine on March 10. Within 10-15 minutes my right leg went numb, then arm and fingers then 20 minutes or so later my eye lid, nostril, cheek bone area, jaw and tongue went numb on my right side. I waited a couple of days because I heard of others having the same reaction and theirs went away. Well and honestly, I am a teacher and I needed to be in the classroom with my students not a sub. I finally called my doctor and he said to wait a couple of weeks. Two weeks later I got a strange pain two inches above my right wrist and right ankle. Behind my right eyeball feels numb. I now also have numbness on my left side but not as bad, but noticeable for me. Went to doctor and got an MRI which came back normal. Got referred to a neurologist and found out today that their first available appointment is in January. Doctor said not to take the second dose. I’m not sure if this is BP but it sure sounds the same except the numbness now on both sides and the back of my eyeball. I feel like I am not getting any answers. It has been 3 months and I don’t know what to do next. I feel like I am just waiting for something else to go wrong.
Thank you so much for the update! Hope you do fine & don’t get BP ever.
I had BP on 2014 and it took me more than three months, a lot of cortison, antiviral treatments and physiotherapies to get almost normal. I am currently 17-weeks pregnant and not sure what to do. In the UK, pregnant women are offered either Pfizer or Moderna, but as you know, both vaccines might lead to BP. And because of my status, I won’t be treated as in the past…I am afraid that because of this, BP might last longer and bring problems to both me and my baby.
Is there anybody in the same situation? What did your dr suggest?
Thanks to all for sharing your stories. I was diagnosed with Bell’s in Jan 2021 and thankfully I’m about 75-80% recovered. At present, I am feeling intense social pressure to get vacc’d for C-19 despite my history that includes a prior flu vaccine reaction. Having worked in the medical field for almost 40 years, I’ve done a ton of research and am not feeling super confident about any of the current vaccines. To state the obvious, I certainly don’t wish to have a recurrence of BP.
It would be great if more posters could provide updates post-injections if possible!
I am not sure if this site allows links but I found the below journal articles very interesting:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00273-5/fulltext
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00076-1/fulltext