Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has indeed been dealing with a case of Bell’s Palsy, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
There had been some speculation about why he had been wearing sunglasses and whether there was an issue with his eyes, but that was related to the Bell’s Palsey — which impacts facial muscles in one-half of face. Embiid had 50 points in Game 3 victory over Knicks tonight. https://t.co/qd2WK4TpSb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2024
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face, predominantly affecting one side.
Common symptoms include sudden paralysis, difficulty in closing eyelids and smiling, drooling, decreased ability to taste, difficulty in chewing, pain or numbness behind the ears, and headaches.
The exact cause is unknown but often related to viral infections such as herpes, Epstein-Barr, and influenza. Other factors like trauma, fever, and tooth extractions may also contribute.
Risk factors include pregnancy, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections. If left untreated, complications like facial nerve damage and eye problems can occur.
Treatment options include steroid medication, antiviral drugs, eye drops and ointment, and surgical tape. Most people see improvement within six months, but medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist beyond three weeks to ensure mental well-being. Recurrence is rare but possible.
The reigning NBA MVP has been treated for a mild case of Bell’s Palsy for the past week. This condition is characterized by an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis, which usually resolves on its own and causes no complications.
Joel Embiid has been treated for a mild case of Bell’s Palsey for the past week, per @wojespn.
Embiid's condition began during the play-in game vs. Heat last week. pic.twitter.com/aQzR6iux5a
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 26, 2024
Despite this health challenge, Embiid has played every game of the playoffs, including a remarkable performance where he scored 50 points in 41 minutes during a win against the New York Knicks.
Yea ok. So whole side of the face likely a Bell’s palsy :/ https://t.co/mqyBcNMIMd
— Brian Sutterer MD (@BrianSuttererMD) April 26, 2024
His dedication to the game and his team is truly commendable.
Fans reacted as follows:
50 points in game where he intentionally injured Mitchell Robinson but wasnt thrown out of the game
— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) April 26, 2024
time to leak to woj about the bell’s palsy so they don’t focus on his dirty play. Deserves a suspension for his play tonight
— Boardman Gets Pod (@GetsPod) April 26, 2024
There had been some speculation about why he had been wearing sunglasses and whether there was an issue with his eyes, but that was related to the Bell’s Palsey — which impacts facial muscles in one-half of face. Embiid had 50 points in Game 3 victory over Knicks tonight. https://t.co/qd2WK4TpSb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2024
My guys face is never safe when the playoffs start.
— Matthew Cavanaugh (@M_J_Cavanaugh) April 26, 2024
Does it cause him to spasm and grab players legs while they are in vulnerable positions
— Mike Lopinski (@Mikeleelop) April 26, 2024
I knew it . He kept winking one eye .
— Mike_Dundon (@Mike_Dundon) April 26, 2024
Is that what was up with his eye?
— Aaron Gramza (@AaronGramza) April 26, 2024
You were correct. As always. https://t.co/z8EMLX68uA
— Jake Thompson (@jthomps72) April 26, 2024
This is horrible.
— Matt Bedrosian (@HeadphoneYogi) April 26, 2024
Could it be the multiple orbital fractures have effected the orbital floor and some of the nerves?
— Larry K (@GrnMtnSixer) April 26, 2024
What happened to that 5th cranial trigeminal nerve
— Kamal (@drkamaldds) April 26, 2024
How can I best recover from Bell’s palsy?
You can help your recovery by:
using prescription eye drops and ointment regularly
wearing glasses or goggles during the day
using an eye patch
Is playing playoff basketball putting his long term health In jeopardy?
— Scott (@greedisgood70) April 26, 2024
ok now i'm hoping for a knicks sweep so he can finally get some rehab time 🙁
— the sun's tirade☭ (@bumjeega) April 26, 2024
