BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is sharing his recent experience with Bell's Palsy.

Bell's Palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face.

Poloncarz said he noticed Saturday a drooping muscle on the right side of his face while looking in the rearview mirror, which had him worried it might be a possible stroke. He said he immediately contacted his doctor, who said the symptoms were consistent with Bell’s Palsy, but that they needed to still rule out a stroke.

Poloncarz says his fiancé, Lindsey Lauren Visser, took him to Buffalo General and the Gates Vascular Institute Emergency Room.

Poloncarz reiterated that he did not have a stroke, but did go through all the tests at the hospital to be sure.

"Very pleased to say I can

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