After a masterful Game 3 win over the Knicks in which he scored 50 points, Joel Embiid revealed that he has been playing through a Bell's palsy diagnosis for weeks. It's a condition that causes sudden weakness of the muscles in one side of the face.
Embiid called his condition "a mild case" that started a day or two before the team's play-in victory against the Heat on April 18. He initially wanted to keep it private in order to avoid distractions for his team, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Embiid was noticeably holding his face and looking down from reporters during his media scrum in Game 2. Speculation about a possible eye injury increased after he wore sunglasses during his Game 3 press conference.
The center has had a great playoffs, which is made even more impressive by the fact that he is playing not only through a surgically-repaired meniscus but also through Bell's palsy.
MORE: Expert medical analysis on Joel Embiid's meniscus surgery and recovery
What is Bell's palsy?
Bells palsy is described by the Mayo Clinic as "an acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause which can occur at any age."
The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop, which is clear in photos of Embiid.
The general symptoms are as follows:
- Mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face — occurring within hours to days.
- Facial droop and trouble making facial expressions, such as closing an eye or smiling.
- Drooling.
- Pain around the jaw or pain in or behind the ear on the affected side.
- Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste.
- Changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced.
What are Joel Embiid's symptoms from Bell's palsy?
Embiid has complained of migraines and dry eyes, which are both common symptoms of the condition.
The left side of his face, including his forehead, eye, and mouth, has also started to droop.
RE: Joel Embiid's eye issue (that's my beat now)
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) April 26, 2024
The issue may not be just affecting his eye. It appears the left side of his mouth seems a bit drooped as well.
Obviously doesn't affect the ability to play ball as much as the eye, but just wanted to note it. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/E09KmFOsQt
Embiid had migraines weeks ago which he thought was nothing until getting it further checked out.
“My body was just, I was just not feeling it,” Embiid told reporters after Game 3. “Yes, it’s pretty annoying. My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It’s been tough. But I’m not a quitter. I’m going to keep fighting through anything. It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. But it’s not an excuse. I’ve got to keep pushing.”
How long will Joel Embiid suffer from Bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy is a temporary condition that usually resolves itself over time. The exact timetable for Embiid is completely unknown, as it varies from person to person.
“It hasn’t really necessarily gotten better,” Embiid told reporters after Game 3.
“With the conversations that I’ve had, it could be weeks, it could be months. I just hope that it stays like this. I’ve got a beautiful face. I don’t like when my mouth is looking the other way. Unfortunate situation but everything happens for a reason.”
Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, and complete recovery occurs in about six months, per the Mayo Clinic. A small number of people have symptoms for life.
Joel Embiid Playoff Stats
Despite noticeably suffering both from Bell's palsy and a surgically-repaired knee that clearly has limited his mobility, Embiid has had a fantastic playoffs thus far.
Embiid scored 50 points in a gritty 125-114 win over the Knicks in Game 3 of their first round matchup, bringing that series to 2-1. He is leading all players in the playoffs with 37.7 points per game and 45 free throw attempts
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games | 3 |
| Points per game | 37.7 |
| Rebounds per game | 8.7 |
| Assists per game | 5.3 |
| FG% | 47.1% |
| 3-point % | 37.5% |
