Facial droop is sagging of the face caused by loss of facial muscle tone. This is usually caused by an impairment of nerve function that supply the facial muscles, particularly involving the facial nerve. Most cases of facial droop are one-sided (unilateral) causing a distortion of the normal face structure. This typically appears like the lips are being pulled on one side and there may be difficulty in closing the eye or impairment of the taste sensation. A number of factors can contribute to a facial droop, including trauma, infections and other systemic pathologies.

Bell’s Palsy
Thi is one of the most common causes of a facial droop. Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles caused by inflammation of the facial nerve, often due to a viral infection. It is usually a unilateral condition meaning that it only affects one side. The herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes, is most often involved. Diabetics, pregnant women and people with upper respiratory tract infections are more at risk of suffering from Bell’s palsy and the incidence increases with age.

Other Signs and Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
-- Sudden onset of facial paralysis or weakness involving one side of the face – facial droop.
-- Difficulty with smiling or other facial expressions.
-- Drooling.
-- Difficulty in closing the eye on the affected side.
-- Inability to wrinkle the forehead.
-- Pain around or in the ear.
-- Sounds seem louder on the affected side (hyperacusis).
-- Hyperlacrimation or excessive watering of the eye on the affected side.
-- Headache.
-- Impaired taste sensation.

Natural Remedies for Bell's Palsy
Biofeedback
Scientists discovered that biofeedback may have promoted recovery in people with Bell's palsy. Biofeedback is a practice that involves learning to control vital functions that are usually unconscious (such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure) through the use of specialized electronic devices.

Acupuncture
This needle-based Chinese therapy may help lessen facial paralysis and facial disability in people with Bell's palsy, according to a clinical trial published in 2009. However, a research review published the same year concluded that there is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of Bell's palsy.