Bell's Palsy Flashcards

1
Q

What is Bell’s Palsy

A

Temporary unilateral facial paralysis secondary to trauma with demyelination and/or axonal degeneration of the Ipsilateral Facial Nerve (CN VII)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Etiology

A

Exact etiology is unknown

  • Viral infection (herpes simplex/zoster)
  • inflammation/edema causing subsequent pressure injures of the facial nerve
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Signs and Symptoms

A

Asymmetrical Facial Appearance

  • Drooping of the Eyelid and Mouth
  • Dryness of the eye
  • inability to close the eyelid due to weakness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Treatment: Mild Involvement

A

Mild involvement: symptoms can resolve in about two weeks without formal medical intervention

The sooner a person is diagnosed and treated the better the outcomes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Treatment: Greater Severity

A

Greater Severity:
- antiviral medications
- high dose corticosteroids (usually the first line of treatment)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Age range of the highest incidence rates:

A

Highest incidence in individuals between 15-45 y/o

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How may a preliminary diagnosis be made?

A

Functional assessment of facial muscle performance and symmetry with activities:

  • smiling
  • frowning
  • closing the eyes
  • baring teeth
  • raising the eyebrows
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

PT Management:

A
  • Prevention of long term deficits related to paralysis-related muscle shortening. (PRMS)
  • Biofeedback and NMES can assist with targeting specific muscles for strengthening and coordination retraining
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Outcomes

A

Generally self-limiting

  • Most patients experience spontaneous recovery (within a matter of weeks)
  • very severe cases: full recovery, up to 6 months
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Is Bell’s palsy an UMN or LMN lesion?

A

LMN Lesion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly