article_snippet: NHS Choices GP performed a series of reflex test and diagnosed Bell's Palsy – a rare condition that causes temporary weakness of the facial muscles.
article_snippet: There is no known cure for the condition, although most people notice an improvement in most people symptoms after a few weeks.
article_snippet: I was told I could be paralysed for weeks, or even months.
article_snippet: my doctor underwent blood tests and a lumbar punctures, which is where a needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to look for evidence of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord or other parts of the nervous system.
article_snippet: Bell's Palsy can be caused by a viral infection, so suddenly all of the symptoms I'd been suffering made sense.'
article_snippet: I had no facial expression. '