Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid speaks during a news conference after Game 3 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.

Embiid wore sunglasses to the podium after he scored 50 points in the Sixers’ Game 3 win over the New York Knicks and said he’s dealt with various symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes.

Embiid said he first started noticing the affliction about a “day or two” before the Sixers played the Miami Heat on April 17 in the play-in tournament. Embiid had 23 points and 15 rebounds in the win that sent the Sixers to the playoffs.

Embiid complained of migraines but “thought it was nothing” before he finally notified doctors he wasn’t feeling well.

“My body was just, I was just not feeling it,” Embiid said. “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.”

Last season’s NBA MVP, Embiid was 13 of 19 from the floor, made 19 of 21 free throws and hit five 3-pointers in Game 3.

The Knicks lead the series 2-1 and Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.

Embiid had been wearing sunglasses throughout the series and conducted a Game 2 postgame interview with his head down in front of his locker to hide his symptoms.

Embiid said he has no timetable on how long it may take to recover from Bell’s palsy.

“It hasn’t really necessarily gotten better,” he said. “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.”

About Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy is a condition that can strike out of the blue and cause muscles on one side of a person’s face to become weak or paralyzed, distorting expression.

Here’s what to know about the mostly temporary condition:

What is it?

Bell’s palsy occurs when something inflames or injures a nerve that controls facial muscles. Symptoms come on rapidly over two to three days. They can include difficulty closing an eyelid, a drooping eye or mouth or paralysis of an entire half of the face.

Cases can be mild or severe.

It can affect anyone but is most likely to occur between the ages of 15 and 45, according to the National Institutes of Health.

What causes it?

No one knows. But people more at risk include those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or are pregnant.

It’s been associated with infections such as the herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus, as well as Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders. The NIH says other possible triggers may include impaired immune reactions to minor illnesses or injury.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

There isn’t a single test to diagnose Bell’s palsy but doctors start by physically examining facial muscles. It’s important to seek care to rule out more serious conditions such as a stroke.

Treatment depends on the person’s symptoms and severity. Doctors may prescribe steroidal medications to reduce the nerve inflammation or antivirals. If there’s any involvement of the eyelid, patients receive care to protect the eye from dryness, such as an eyepatch or eye drops or ointments.

Fortunately, Bell’s palsy is temporary for the vast majority of patients. The NIH says most recover some or all facial function within a few weeks to six months.