I also had an episode of bells but only saw a doctor informally at work. Took some prednisolone and it cleared.
Neuro spec asked if I lost my sense of taste and smell at the same time as the Bells ? Since I didn't recall doing so, he told me it probably wasn't Bells, but likely my first episode.
I think many MS'ers have what they assume is Bells but actually isn't.
It's left me with some facial weakness, especially when tired.