Bristol Palin Provides Update on Ongoing Facial Paralysis Battle

Bristol Palin has shared a candid update on her ongoing struggle with facial paralysis, which has persisted for nearly a year. In a video posted on her Instagram Stories on January 3, 2024, Palin revealed that today marks Day 323 of her condition, stating, “Not looking great.” The 35-year-old former reality television star expressed her plans to seek Botox treatment for one of her eyes, citing that it “just gets so small when I smile or when I’m expressive at all.”

The onset of Palin’s facial paralysis occurred abruptly nine days prior to her January update. In an earlier video, she recounted experiencing unusual sensations in her face, describing how her mouth began to pull to one side. “I went and looked in the mirror. I’m like, ‘Wow, this is looking a little weird,’” she explained. Shortly thereafter, she noticed the left side of her face had become numb and unresponsive, limiting her ability to blink.

After consulting with medical professionals, Palin underwent a series of tests, including a CT scan, and was prescribed steroids and other medications. Despite these efforts, her doctors could not determine a definitive cause. They suggested that her condition might be attributed to Bell’s palsy, potentially triggered by stress or lack of sleep.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face, often with no clear explanation. In her update, Palin noted that she has started to regain some sensation, experiencing mild pain that she interpreted as a positive sign of recovery. “I’m finally starting to get some of the sensation back. It’s been, like, a little painful the last two days, which is a good indication that it’s getting better, so praise the Lord,” she stated.

Palin has also explored alternative treatments during her recovery, particularly acupuncture, which she claims has significantly helped speed up the healing process. “I would highly suggest going more of the Eastern medicine,” she advised.

Reflecting on her overall condition, Palin admitted that she struggles with her appearance, stating, “I can’t look at pictures of myself.” By July 2025, she estimated that her face had returned to “probably 70 percent back to normal.” She described the experience of waking up with paralysis as “completely out of the blue,” dismissing any recent medical interventions as factors.

In a light-hearted moment, she shared an Instagram photo in November 2025, showcasing her outfit while humorously remarking, “And still a crooked face.” Despite the challenges she continues to face, Palin maintains a positive outlook as she navigates this unexpected health issue.