Bristol Palin Opens Up on Sudden Facial Paralysis and Sobriety Milestone

Bristol Palin recently opened up about a shocking health challenge that hit her without any warning. During an Instagram Q&A, the former reality TV star shared that she woke up one morning to find the left side of her face completely paralyzed. "No warning, wasn’t sick, didn’t get any shots or treatments, just paralyzed," she explained, overlaying her words on a video that highlighted the stark difference between the two sides of her face.

Emotionally, Palin admits it’s been tough. She’s avoiding looking at photos of herself right now, though she feels she’s coping fairly well. On a positive note, she estimates her face is about 70% back to normal and remains hopeful, despite the possibility of permanent effects. "It’s slowly improving," she shared, with her doctor suggesting another three months for a full recovery.

Palin first revealed this sudden facial paralysis in January 2025, describing a strange sensation that quickly escalated to numbness on one side of her face. After extensive tests, doctors pointed to a possible case of Bell’s palsy, often linked to stress or lack of sleep, though no definitive cause was confirmed. She was prescribed steroids and other medications to manage the condition.

In a separate but inspiring update, Palin celebrated a personal milestone in April 2025—marking one year of sobriety. Reflecting on this journey, she noted how a clear mind has helped her reevaluate life’s priorities. "I don’t want to alter the state of my mind or ‘take the edge off’ anything," she wrote, encouraging others to embrace a similar path.

Through both health struggles and personal triumphs, Palin’s resilience shines as she navigates these unexpected challenges with candor and hope.