Bristol Palin Reveals She Still Has a 'Crooked Face' Despite Nearly a Year of Paralysis Battle

Bristol Palin continues to cope with facial paralysis, nearly a year after doctors attributed her condition to Bell's Palsy. In a Thanksgiving post, she displayed her festive outfit featuring a vintage handbag, a denim top, and, as she noted, her crooked face.

The 35-year-old, daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, shared the update on Instagram Stories alongside her 5-year-old daughter, Sailor Grace Meyer, whom she has with ex-fianc Dakota Meyer. They showcased their holiday fit check, with Palin commenting, Black skinnies, black long sleeve, same denim shirt I wear all the time, vintage Louis Vuitton, before adding, and still a crooked face.

Palins facial paralysis first appeared in January. She described the sudden onset on social media, saying, Within a couple of hours, the left side of my face was numb and just paralyzed. I couldnt really blink my eye. Definitely had no movement on that side of my face. So crazy.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Bells Palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, usually affecting one side. While it is generally not permanent, in rare instances it may persist. Symptoms typically improve within six months much shorter than Palins ongoing struggle.

In a February update, Palin revealed that she had tried all available treatments, including steroids, antiviral medications, and physical therapy. She admitted, Im not sure what else I should do. But Ive spent the last 35 days doing something every single day to try and fix this and nothing has helped so far. So, Im not sure what the future holds.

Author's Comment: Bristol Palin’s Ongoing Battle with Bell’s Palsy

As we reflect on Bristol Palin's ongoing struggle with Bell’s Palsy, it’s hard not to recognize the persistence of her condition, nearly a year after it first appeared. In a Thanksgiving post, the 35-year-old took to Instagram to share a moment with her daughter, Sailor Grace Meyer, while also addressing her battle with facial paralysis. “Still a crooked face,” she wrote, underlining the reality that her journey toward recovery remains uncertain.

For many, Bell’s Palsy is a temporary condition, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within six months. However, Palin’s case has not followed this typical course. Her openness about the experience, from the sudden numbness she first felt to her trials with various treatments, paints a picture of ongoing frustration. Despite trying steroids, antiviral medications, and physical therapy, she remains unsure of what the future holds for her condition.

While Palin’s story highlights the unpredictability of Bell’s Palsy, it also underscores a key issue: not all cases follow the same trajectory. The persistence of her symptoms challenges common expectations, urging further awareness and research into the disorder. As Bristol continues her journey, it’s clear that recovery isn’t always as straightforward as medical literature suggests.

Sources:

• Bristol Palin Says She ‘Still’ Has a ‘Crooked Face’ After Nearly a Year of Paralysis Struggle