Bell's palsy is a muscle weakness or paralysis in the area controlled by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) in the absence of any obvious cause of nerve injury; in other words, if the source of the nerve trauma is clear, it isn't Bell's palsy. Usually, symptoms reach a peak within several days and gradually resolve over a period of weeks to months.

If your MRI is negative, it means that there is no obvious damage or compression of the facial nerve at the present time. The presence of paralysis after 15 months is worrisome; in general, the longer symptoms persist, the greater the likelihood of permanent nerve damage, and complete recovery becomes less and less likely.

The usual treatments for Bell's palsy include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling along the nerve as well as antiviral medication. However, after 15 months and with a negative MRI, there is probably no infection to be treated. Physical therapy can stretch paralyzed muscles and improve appearance, but it does nothing to repair the damaged nerve. Surgery to decompress the nerve is rarely recommended, particularly if there is no sign of nerve compression or impingement.

At this point, after having seen multiple doctors, there are very few options remaining. You don't mention whether or not an electromyogram (EMG) has been performed to assess the function of the facial nerve, and this might be worthwhile if it hasn't already been done. There is still a possibility that your symptoms may improve, but that depends on the condition of the nerve and whether or not it can still recover.

There is no cure for Bell’s Palsy. Most doctors aim to provide some kind of comfort to the patient, in addition to easing symptoms. The most important part of treatment is inside a patient’s head. Bell’s Palsy can be temporarily disfiguring, frustrating, and embarrassing. It’s important that patient’s surround themselves with supportive family and friends.

Your doctor will perform a blood test and full examination. Your doctor might even order a CT scan to examine internal areas of the head. Remember this full examination is done to rule out any other possible illnesses and hopefully, determine the cause of the Bell’s Palsy.

Some doctors choose to treat patients with corticosteroids or antiviral medications. Corticosteroids are used to reduce nerve swelling. Antiviral medications are used when the suspected cause is virus related. A combination of these medications is sometimes prescribed during early treatment of Bell’s Palsy.

Eye care is extremely important for Bell’s Palsy patients. With the onset of paralysis, the loss of muscle control may affect the ability to blink. Blinking helps prevent objects from entering the eye and distributes tears around the eye.

Many people also stop producing tears so it’s necessary to put artificial teardrops into the eyes every two hours. Lubricating ointment is placed into the eye and the eyelid is taped shut at night to protect the surface of the eye. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from foreign objects as much as possible.

Your comfort is one of the most important aspects of your treatment. Discuss pain management with your doctor if necessary and recognize that recovery may take some time. Be patient and pamper yourself as you recover. Some typical non-medicine treatments include:

1. Rest and relaxation. Get into and stay into a regular sleep pattern.
2. Moist heat to alleviate topical pain (heating pads, hot water bottle)
3. Proper diet.
4. Physical therapy
5. Massage therapy
6. Wear eyeglasses/sunglasses to protect the eyes
7. Don’t forget your teeth! Brush regularly but with more care.

Some patients choose alternative form of treatment for pain and symptoms management. These alternative types of treatment include acupuncture, vitamins such as B-6, B-12, and zinc, and relaxation techniques.

Time and I think PT uses some facial excersises

I went through the same thing with in 15 days of my father passing away I gave birth to twins and with in two weeks I had Bells Palsy, most likely brought on by the stress of all that was happening in my life, but also quite common in the third trimester of pregnancy. I saw my GP along with a neurologist and took the prescribed medication it took about six months to get most of the nerve function back. Now the twins are three and I occasionally get a slight twitch in the eye that was effected but my opthamologist assured me that I was lucky that is all that remained. Apparently it can be permanent or you may get some of the functionality back but not all, from what I've read it varies from person to person. It drove me crazy and I certainly can understand your frustration.