Laqwa ka ilaj depends on why one side of the face has become weak. Most cases are Bell's palsy — a sudden facial palsy causing muh tera hona (a crooked mouth and drooping eye) that usually improves, especially when a short steroid course starts early. Because a stroke can look similar, a sudden facial droop should always be checked urgently first.
When to seek emergency care: A sudden facial droop can be a stroke, not just laqwa. If the face droops with arm weakness or slurred speech, remember FAST and call 1122 immediately — this is a time-critical emergency. Even when it turns out to be Bell's palsy, see a doctor within a day or two, because starting steroid treatment early gives the best recovery, and get urgent eye care if the eye becomes painful or red.
What laqwa (facial palsy) is
Laqwa is the Urdu word for facial palsy — sudden weakness or drooping of the muscles on one side of the face. People often describe it as muh tera hona, when the mouth pulls to one side, the eye on the affected side will not close fully, and the forehead loses its creases. The most common cause is Bell's palsy, in which the facial nerve becomes inflamed and swollen, usually after a viral trigger.
Laqwa can be frightening because it appears quickly, but in most cases the underlying Bell's palsy improves well, and effective laqwa ka ilaj can support recovery.
Laqwa or stroke? Telling them apart
This is the most important safety point. Both a stroke and Bell's palsy can droop one side of the face, but they are not the same:
- In Bell's palsy, the whole side of the face is affected, including the forehead — the person usually cannot wrinkle that side or close the eye.
- In a stroke, the forehead is often spared, and there are frequently other signs such as arm weakness or slurred speech.
You cannot always tell for certain at home. If a facial droop comes on suddenly — especially with arm weakness, speech difficulty or confusion — treat it as a possible stroke and call 1122 immediately.
Laqwa ka ilaj: medical treatment
For Bell's palsy, the mainstay of laqwa ka ilaj is a short course of steroid tablets started as early as possible, ideally within the first few days, which improves the chance of full recovery. A doctor decides whether antiviral medicine should be added and checks for other causes such as an ear infection, injury or, in some cases, an infection affecting the nerve. Treatment always follows an examination rather than a fixed home remedy.
Protecting the eye
When the eye will not close fully, it can dry out and get damaged — this is the part of self-care that must not be neglected. A doctor may advise lubricating eye drops during the day, an eye ointment and covering or taping the eye at night, and wearing glasses outdoors. Any eye pain, redness or blurring should be reviewed promptly.
Physiotherapy and facial exercises
As the nerve recovers, gentle facial exercises guided by a physiotherapist can help retrain the muscles and improve symmetry. These include soft massage and practising expressions such as raising the eyebrows, closing the eyes and smiling in front of a mirror. Exercises should be gentle and regular; forcing strong movements does not speed healing. Doing them little and often through the day, watching in a mirror, helps you notice small improvements and keep both sides of the face working.
Recovery: what to expect
Most people with Bell's palsy begin to improve within two to three weeks and recover well over a few months, particularly when treatment starts early. A minority have slower or incomplete recovery, and some notice lingering weakness or unusual movements. Starting treatment quickly and protecting the eye give the best chance of a good outcome. It is common to feel low or self-conscious while the face is uneven, which is understandable and usually eases as movement returns; talking about it and knowing that most people recover can make the waiting easier.
Which doctor should you see?
A neurologist assesses the cause of facial weakness, confirms whether it is Bell's palsy or something else, and guides medical treatment — this matters most when recovery is slow, both sides are affected, or the picture is unusual. A physiotherapist supports recovery with tailored facial exercises. For any sudden facial droop with stroke-like features, emergency care comes first.
Which specialist to see
SehatGPT connects you with a verified neurologist or physiotherapist for assessment of facial weakness and a recovery plan, online or in-clinic. It matches you to the right specialist and does not diagnose — a sudden droop with stroke signs needs emergency care first.
Frequently asked questions
Kya laqwa ka ilaj se poora chehra theek ho jata hai?
Most people with Bell's palsy recover well, especially when steroid treatment starts within the first few days. A minority have slower or partial recovery, so early assessment is worthwhile.
Is laqwa caused by cold air or a fan?
Cold exposure is a common belief, but Bell's palsy is linked to inflammation of the facial nerve, often after a viral trigger. Avoiding a fan alone does not treat it — timely medical care does.
How do I protect my eye if it will not close?
Use lubricating drops by day, ointment and covering or taping the eye at night as advised, and seek prompt care for eye pain or redness to prevent damage.