Private bell's palsy clinic in London, same-day specialist medicine.
Bell's palsy is sudden weakness of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It is frightening and is frequently mistaken for a stroke. Most people recover well, and treatment started within three days measurably improves the odds — which makes this a same-day problem. Our private specialist medicine clinic in East London offers same-day bell's palsy assessment with a private specialist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy is sudden weakness of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It is frightening and is frequently mistaken for a stroke. Most people recover well, and treatment started within three days measurably improves the odds — which makes this a same-day problem.
- What bell's palsy is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding bell's palsy
Bell's palsy: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Call 999 — this may be a stroke, not Bell's palsy — if there is
- facial weakness with the forehead still working (able to raise the eyebrow and wrinkle the forehead)
- arm or leg weakness, or numbness on one side
- slurred speech, or difficulty understanding
- sudden severe headache, confusion or drowsiness
- double vision, or difficulty swallowing
The distinction that matters: in Bell's palsy the whole side of the face is affected, including the forehead and eyelid. In a stroke the forehead is usually spared, because that part of the face has a nerve supply from both sides of the brain. If in any doubt, call 999. The nearest emergency department is the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
What you may notice
- drooping of one side of the face, often coming on over hours and worst by 48 hours
- inability to close the eye on that side, or to blink
- drooling, food collecting in the cheek, difficulty drinking from a cup
- pain behind or below the ear, often a day or two before the weakness
- altered taste, and sounds seeming uncomfortably loud on that side
- a dry or watering eye
Treatment is time-limited
Oral steroids started within 72 hours of the weakness beginning significantly improve the chance of full recovery. After that window the benefit falls away. This is why Bell's palsy is a same-day appointment rather than something to see how it goes over the weekend. If there is a blistering rash in or around the ear, or severe ear pain, an antiviral is added — that combination suggests Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has a poorer outlook and needs prompt treatment.
Protecting the eye — the part that causes lasting damage
If the eye will not close, the surface dries out and can ulcerate, which can permanently affect sight. This is the most important thing you do at home.
- Lubricating drops during the day, as often as hourly at first.
- Thicker ointment at night, when the eye is most at risk.
- Tape the eyelid closed at night, gently, with micropore tape — ask us to show you.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and dust.
- Seek help the same day if the eye becomes red, painful or your vision changes.
Recovery
Recovery is usually gradual. A minority are left with some residual weakness, tightness, or involuntary movements — the eye closing when the mouth moves, for example. Facial physiotherapy helps, and forceful exercises early on are best avoided; gentle, controlled movement is more useful than effortful grimacing.
When to be reviewed
- no improvement at all after three weeks
- the eye becoming red, painful or vision changing — the same day
- weakness that is worsening after 72 hours, or that recurs
- any new neurological symptom
The 72-hour window is the reason to come to us rather than wait. We are open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm, with same-day appointments most days and no referral needed — so treatment can start on the day it will do the most good. We can examine you, exclude the causes that need emergency care, prescribe steroids and eye protection immediately, show you how to tape the eye safely, and arrange physiotherapy and ENT or neurology input if recovery is slow.
Specialist medicine services we offer
Expert care under one roof
From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.
Private GP
Same-day GP to start your care.
Specialist Medicine
Access to specialists & referral.
MRI & Imaging
Fast brain & spine MRI access.
Private Blood Tests
Diagnostic blood tests, explained.
Headache & Migraine
Diagnosis & a treatment plan.
Mental Health
Where mood or memory is affected.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
Seen quickly
A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private specialist for bell's palsy in London
At our private specialist medicine clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private specialist or bell's palsy doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant specialist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about bell's palsy.
Local, private, fast
A private specialist medicine clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private bell's palsy appointment with a specialist, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private specialist medicine clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and specialist medicine under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private specialist for bell's palsy — the same day.
Book a private bell's palsy assessment in East London: same-day appointments, specialist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Bell's palsy in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private bell's palsy specialist near me in East London?
Our private specialist medicine clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private specialist or bell's palsy doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private specialist for bell's palsy the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a specialist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private bell's palsy appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the bell's palsy assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private specialist for bell's palsy?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a specialist, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private bell's palsy care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.