Is CBD Effective for Treating Bell’s Palsy Symptoms?

Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder where the facial muscle has unexplained weakness or paralysis on one side. This condition is temporary for most and stems from damage to the facial nerve with a sudden onset and symptoms that often worsen over 48 hours. Bell’s palsy causes what is called “peripheral facial nerve palsy.”¹ There is no cure, but Bell’s palsy healing process often happens within three weeks to three months. 

This condition was named after Sir Charles Bell, who first described the facial nerve and its role in what became known as Bell’s palsy. It was later found that an early 9th-century Persian physician named Razi was the first to detail the symptoms of Bell’s palsy.²

Bell’s palsy can happen at any age and affects males and females equally. Forty thousand people yearly are diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in the United States.

Most recently, Bell’s palsy was in the news because it seemingly presented as a rare complication during the Coronavirus pandemic. Findings of a population study released in 2022 showed that there was no association between COVID-19 vaccines and Bell’s palsy. Still, there was an increased risk for it in people infected with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.³

What Causes Bell's Palsy?

Bell’s palsy has no known cause, but researchers believe viral infection causes inflammation that affects the facial nerve, leading to the condition. Some possible causes and risk factors associated with Bell’s palsy are:

• Diabetes
• Family history of Bell’s palsy
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Injury
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sarcoidosis
• Toxins
• Viral infections (especially from the virus associated with cold sores)

Bell's Palsy Signs & Symptoms

If you are experiencing Bell’s palsy, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty or inability to close the eye on the affected side of face 
• Drooling
• Facial droop and uncontrolled movement of muscles controlling facial expressions, like smiling
• Headache
• Hypersensitivity to sound in the ear on the affected side of face
• Loss of taste on the front of tongue
• Pain around jaw or ear on the affected side of face
• Sudden onset of mild weakness to full paralysis on one side of the face (this rarely affects both sides of the face)
• Tearing

These symptoms may occur within hours to days. Because the symptoms of Bell’s palsy can look like other medical problems or conditions, it is essential to see a doctor for a diagnosis. If the eyelid cannot close, then eye care becomes a priority to keep the cornea from being scratched.

Bell’s palsy resolves over time in most people with no long-term complications, although around 20% of people may have long-term damage to the facial nerve or the affected eye.

How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Symptoms of Bell's Palsy

Currently, no studies look at how to treat Bell’s palsy with cannabis. Still, there is evidence that cannabis may benefit symptoms of this neurological disorder.

• A 2021 review of 26 In Vivo studies on cannabinoids and inflammation found that levels of inflammation-causing cytokines were lower after treatment with CBD, CBG, and CBD+THC. Researchers also found that THC alone did not have a consistent or significant effect on inflammation.⁴

• A 2018 review of past clinical trials found that cannabinoids are beneficial for chronic pain and described a substantial impact from smoked THC for neuropathic pain.⁵ Although this review was limited by the inconsistent modalities of the trials analyzed, it does show promise for more extensive studies. A more recent study also supports further evaluation of the more minor cannabinoids for inflammation and chronic neuropathic pain.⁶

• A 2019 study looked at whether local injections of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in rats would provide relief from pain caused by nerve damage located outside of the brain and spinal cords. Researchers found that combining CBD and CBN provided a longer-lasting pain reduction than CBD and CBN individually. However, these cannabinoids still provided analgesic relief.⁷

• A 2020 review illuminated the benefit and safety of CBD for neurodegenerative disorders because of its anti-oxidative properties.⁸ Another review from the same year that looked at CBD for Parkinson’s disease concluded that it could benefit other neurological disorders.⁹

Researchers are hopeful about the benefits of medical marijuana for inflammation, chronic pain, and neurological disorders like Bell’s palsy, but there are still limitations to these results. Since none of these studies were conducted specifically for Bell’s palsy, we can only infer the benefits of cannabis for its symptoms. 

Also, since these are mainly reviews of medical studies and trials, the mechanisms of each study are inconsistent. Overall, these analyses support further in-depth research on the benefits of marijuana for Bell’s palsy and other similar conditions. 

No specific adverse effects are described when using cannabis for Bell’s palsy. Still, because a primary concern for sufferers is the protection of the eye and cornea, the excessive use of cannabis could lead to dry eyes, a commonly reported side effect of smoking cannabis. Moderation is key if smoking cannabis is to be undertaken while suffering from Bell’s palsy. Always make sure to consult with your doctor to ensure there are no interactions with any medication you may be taking.

If planning to use medical marijuana when experiencing Bell’s palsy, try to look for products containing CBD, CBN, or combinations of CBD and other cannabinoids. Oral cannabis, like tinctures, capsules, and edibles, is recommended. Topical cannabis in balms or ointments may be beneficial when applied locally to the affected area. If choosing to use inhaled marijuana, then high-CBD flower, like AC/DC or Charlotte’s Web, is recommended. If unable to close the mouth enough to inhale, the other methods may be best.

Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation

To determine if your state considers Bell’s palsy to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.

If you find that your state recognizes Bell’s palsy as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program. 

How NuggMD Can Help

NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 23 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. 

We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Bell's Palsy 

Does cannabis help with Bell’s palsy?

There are no studies that specifically look at cannabis for Bell’s palsy. Research has shown that some non-intoxicating cannabinoids, like CBD and CBN, can regulate neuropathic pain. A scientific review found that smoking THC may also be beneficial for neuropathic pain, but more thorough studies are needed.

Does smoking marijuana make Bell’s palsy worse?

Bell’s palsy has no known cause, although viral infection may be the source of the inflammation that leads to this condition. No studies have proven an adverse effect of smoking marijuana for Bell’s palsy. Still, it may impact its symptoms or interact with the medication you may be taking. Consult with your doctor when considering using cannabis while experiencing Bell’s palsy.

Can CBD oil help facial paralysis?

Bell’s palsy and the resulting facial paralysis is a neurological disorder. CBD has been studied for its safety and benefit for similar conditions. While no definitive proof exists for CBD’s impact on facial paralysis, the research is promising. CBD may also help with neuropathic pain experienced as a side effect. Oral or topical CBD is recommended. Consult with your doctor before using CBD while experiencing Bell’s palsy.

Sources:

1. Kim SJ, Lee HY. Acute Peripheral Facial Palsy: Recent Guidelines and a Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2020;35(30). doi:https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e245

2. Sajadi MM, Sajadi MR, Tabatabaie SM. The history of facial palsy and spasm: Hippocrates to Razi. Neurology. 2011;77(2):174-178. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182242d23

3. Li X, Raventós B, Roel E, et al. Association between covid-19 vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and risk of immune mediated neurological events: population based cohort and self-controlled case series analysis. BMJ. 2022;376:e068373. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-068373

4. Henshaw FR, Dewsbury LS, Lim CK, Steiner GZ. The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021;6(3):177-195. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0105

5. Vučković S, Srebro D, Vujović KS, Vučetić Č, Prostran M. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259

6. Walsh KB, McKinney AE, Holmes AE. Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804

7. Wong H, Cairns BE. Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of Oral Biology. 2019;104:33-39. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028

8. Cassano T, Villani R, Pace L, et al. From Cannabis sativa to Cannabidiol: Promising Therapeutic Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11:124. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00124

9. Patricio F, Morales-Andrade AA, Patricio-Martínez A, Limón ID. Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Target: Evidence of its Neuroprotective and Neuromodulatory Function in Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.595635

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.