Bell's Palsy Flashcards
1
Q
What is Bell’s Palsy?
A
Idiopathic facial nerve palsy
2
Q
How does Bell’s palsy present?
A
abrupt onset e.g. overnight, after a nap
complete unilateral facial weakness at 24-72hrs
ipsilateral numbness/pain around ear
ageusia (loss of taste)
3
Q
How is Bell’s palsy diagnosed?
A
A diagnosis of exclusion (e.g. exclude Lyme disease, Rasmay hunt, SOL, stroke, MS)
Test CN VII (puff out cheeks, scrunch up eyes, raise eyebrows)
4
Q
How is Lyme disease ruled out?
A
test for Borrelia antibodies
5
Q
How is Ramsay Hunt ruled out?
A
VZV antibodies
6
Q
What is the treatment of Bell’s Palsy?
A
if within 72hrs of symptoms - prednisolone
protect eye - dark glasses, drops, tape closed at night
