BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said Tuesday that he has Bell’s Palsy.
Poloncarz said his case is mild. He said he began experiencing symptoms on Saturday and went to Buffalo General Hospital, where they performed a number of tests. Poloncarz said that he feared that he had a stroke, but a stroke was ruled out.
Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy include droopiness on one side of your face caused by weakness of facial muscles, as well as watering in your eye. Poloncarz said he was having difficulty eating as well.
“It is not bad. It’s a minor case, but it could have been much worse,” Poloncarz said. “I could have had a stroke and because the symptoms are very similar, you have to check it out.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown and it can occur at any age. Medical experts believe it is caused by swelling and irritation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but full recovery can take up to six months.
Poloncarz, 57, has been in the county executive role since 2012.
Aidan Joly was named News 4’s Digital Executive Producer in 2025. He has been on staff since 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.
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