Bristol Palin opens up on struggle with 'crazy' facial paralysis from mystery neurological disorder

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bristol Palin opened up on a health scare that began over a week ago as she he recounted waking up with a strange sensation in her face, initially noticing a slight pulling on one side.

Hours later, the left side of her face became completely numb and paralyzed.

Doctors left stumped after Bristol Palin's initial tests

In her Instagram Story posted on January 29, Bristol Palin said, “I woke up nine days ago with a little weird sensation in my face."

“My mouth was pulling this way and it just felt a little off,” she added.

She shared video clips tracking the progression of her symptoms, showing how her facial movement deteriorated within hours.

By 5 pm that same day, she experienced severe paralysis, unable to blink or move her facial muscles properly.

Concerned, Palin visited the doctor where she underwent a CT scan and several medical tests.

However, the results showed no clear explanation for her sudden paralysis.

Doctors prescribed steroids and other medications while investigating possible causes.

Medical professionals suggested she might have Bell’s palsy, a temporary condition that causes facial muscle weakness or paralysis, often linked to infections, high blood pressure, stress, or lack of sleep.

Palin believes stress and exhaustion may have contributed to her condition.

Alternative medicine and Bristol Palin's ongoing recovery

While following medical advice, Palin turned to alternative treatments, including acupuncture, which she credits for speeding up her recovery.

“I’ve been getting acupuncture multiple times, and it’s helped speed up the process of recovery tremendously,” she shared.

Over the past week, Palin continued to update her followers on her progress, mentioning improved sensation and movement in her face.

She noted that while recovery has been painful, it’s a positive sign that her nerves are healing.

Despite the distressing experience, Palin expressed newfound appreciation for her health.

"The next time I look in the mirror and pick myself apart… I’m just going to be so thankful for a normal functioning face,” she stated, according to People.

What is Bell's Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually affecting one side of the face.

While its exact cause is unknown, it is often linked to viral infections, inflammation, and immune responses.

Symptoms include drooping facial features, difficulty blinking, and loss of facial control.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Bell's palsy can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Most cases improve within a few weeks or months with treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.