Tiffany Chen, the talented martial artist and partner of Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, recently opened up about her health journey after being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. This condition struck Tiffany shortly after the arrival of her daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, born on April 6. Scroll below to learn more about her experience, symptoms, and how she's navigating this challenging time.

Understanding Bell’s Palsy: What It Is and How It Affects You

At just 45 years old, Tiffany began noticing unusual symptoms after her daughter's birth. Bell’s palsy is a medical condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition is often temporary, with most patients seeing significant improvement within weeks.

The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can vary but often include facial drooping, drooling, jaw pain, and even headaches. While the exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown, doctors believe it may be linked to inflammation of the facial nerve. Fortunately, recovery is usually possible within six months, giving hope to those affected by the condition.

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Tiffany’s Journey: How Bell’s Palsy Changed Her Life

First Signs of Trouble

Tiffany, known for her strength and resilience, shared her initial experience with Gayle King on a segment of CBS Mornings aired on July 13. She explained how she first noticed something was off shortly after returning home from the hospital with her newborn daughter.

"When I went home, I started to feel like… my tongue felt strange," Tiffany recalled. "It felt a little tingly, just starting to get a little bit numb. And then I realized my face just felt weird. I didn’t know what the feeling was that I was having. It felt weird." Those early signs were just the beginning of a journey that would test her strength and determination.

Robert De Niro walks red carpet with girlfriend Tiffany Chen — Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Facing the Reality

As days passed, Tiffany noticed more dramatic changes in her appearance. "When I got home, it was like everything was starting to just fall down on itself. Like, my face was melting on itself," she explained. By the first week after giving birth, the condition had fully manifested. Tiffany reached out to her doctor, describing her struggles with eating and speaking.

"I went to put a fork of food in my mouth, and everything came out. I couldn’t eat. And then I was starting to slur. So, I said, 'There’s something really going on here,'" she recounted. Tiffany was quickly advised to seek medical attention, leading to her immediate hospitalization.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Tiffany experienced a complete loss of facial function. "I lost all facial function the minute I got into the hospital," she said, highlighting the severity of her condition. Despite these challenges, Tiffany has shown incredible strength and resilience, continuing to appear publicly with her partner, Robert De Niro, often wearing sunglasses to shield her face.

Life Moves On: Tiffany and Robert’s Continued Partnership

Tiffany and Robert, who first became romantically linked in 2021, have continued to support each other through this difficult time. Together, they celebrated the premiere of Kiss the Future on June 7 and attended the Tribeca Festival on June 17. Robert, 79, is also a proud father to six other children from previous relationships: Drena, Raphael, Aaron, Julian, Elliot, and Helen. Their shared journey with baby Gia showcases the couple's unwavering commitment to family and love.