Bell's Palsy Recovery Series: Bell’s Palsy & Ticks — What’s the Real Relationship?
This article is part of our Bell’s Palsy Recovery Series, where we explore every stage of healing. Each post is designed to give you hope, clarity, and practical tools for recovery.
👉 Explore the full series here: Bell’s Palsy Master Post
Here in New England, many patients are told that their Bell’s Palsy is connected to a tick bite. It’s an easy assumption to make, but the truth is more complex. Knowing how Bell’s Palsy and Lyme disease overlap—and how they differ—can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
One Symptom, Different Sources:
“Bell’s palsy” is the term used for when facial paralysis comes on suddenly and no other cause is identified. Most idiopathic cases (idiopathic means with an unknown cause or trigger) are thought to be triggered by a viral reactivation, not a tick. Lyme disease, however, can also cause facial nerve palsy that looks almost identical at first glance. Same one-sided droop, same difficulty closing the eye or smiling.
New England teaches us that change is natural. Healing begins with understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface.
New England: the local link to Lyme disease.
In our region, ticks are common and Lyme is widespread. That means when someone develops facial paralysis, clinicians wisely consider Lyme disease. Blood tests (standard two-step serology) and a careful history (any rash? outdoor exposure? flu-like symptoms?) help tell the two apart. If Lyme is the cause, antibiotics are the cornerstone and most people do very well.
Why the distinction matters:
Idiopathic Bell’s palsy: Early corticosteroids (within 72 hours) improve outcomes.
Lyme facial palsy: Antibiotics are essential. Current expert guidelines do not recommend for or against adding steroids (evidence is mixed), so your medical team will individualize the plan. If the cause isn’t clear on day one, it’s common to start steroids quickly (for potential Bell’s Palsy) while testing for Lyme and begin antibiotics if Lyme is confirmed.
What’s Next?
So while ticks aren’t technically “causing Bell’s Palsy,” they can trigger a similar facial paralysis that looks the same on the surface. Once your doctor has made the right diagnosis and treatment plan, recovery doesn’t stop there. That’s where we come in, we focus on the next stage of healing; helping the facial nerve heal, easing discomfort, and supporting the return of natural movement. We design individualized treatment plans that address both the nerve itself and the way symptoms show up in your daily life.
If you are having acute symptoms right now:
If facial droop appears suddenly, seek medical care the same day to rule out stroke and evaluate for Lyme. (Emergency warning signs always come first.)
Ask your clinician about Lyme testing if you live or vacation in tick heavy areas, especially in summer/fall. CDC
If Lyme is suspected or confirmed, start antibiotics promptly; if the diagnosis is uncertain, discuss the timing of steroids for idiopathic palsy vs. the plan if Lyme testing returns positive. IDSA
And once those urgent steps are underway, that’s where we can help. At South Shore Acupuncture & Wellness, we support the next stages of healing. Through acupuncture, ATP Resonance BioTherapy®, and O₃ ReBoot BioTherapy®, we work to reduce lingering inflammation, strengthen nerve-muscle communication, and create the conditions for your facial nerve to recover more fully. It means you don’t just stop at “wait and see,” you have an active plan for recovery.
Understanding the difference between Bell’s Palsy and Lyme-related facial paralysis is key to getting the right care. In our next post, we’ll return to something deeply personal: how to smile again, both physically and emotionally.
Previous Post: The Emotional Impact of Sudden Facial Paralysis
Next Post: How to Smile Again — Literally and Emotionally
