This is my poor Momma's new sickness. We also were at the hospital Sunday night for 8 hours. Her eye lid was droopy Sunday morning when I got her up for church. She was weak and said her head hurt and her eye hurt. After church she got worse and would not drink or eat. She was dehydrated, she felt a lot better as soon as we got 1/2 of the bag into her veins. She regained some strenght but her eyelid is swollen now and completely closed. Her doctor told us today to remind her to blink and use eye drops. We go back again July 8th.
Bell's Palsy also can affect a patients ear and cause pain. It was an ear specialist who gave the final diagnosis of what was wrong with Mom. Cold and windy conditions can also make the affected side of the face more painful. Mom would use a scarf when she had to be out.
One thing patients with Bell's Palsy are often not told: it can reaccur in a ten year period of time but the second time is less severe. My mom had Bell's Palsy for a second time and the symptoms were the same but less severe and she recovered faster.
Good luck and hugs to you and your mom.