Bell's palsy Flashcards
1
Q
What is bell’s palsy?
A
acute, unilateral facial nerve weakness or paralysis of rapid onset and unknown cause
2
Q
Potential contributing factors
A
HSV, VZV, autoimmunity
3
Q
prevalence
A
20-30/100 000
15-45 years
4
Q
complications
A
eye injury facial pain dry mouth intolerance to noises psychological sequelae
5
Q
time
A
less than 72 hours
6
Q
facial weakness
A
unilateral
upper and lower parts of face
droop eyebrow and corner of mouth
loss of nasolabial fold
7
Q
eyes
A
incomplete closure
dryness, pain, excess tearing
8
Q
ear
A
ear and postauricular pain on affected side
9
Q
hyperacusis
A
increased sensitivities to sound
10
Q
management options
A
eye drops, taped closed at night
within 72hrs - prednisolone
antiviral+ CCs
11
Q
when to urgently refer?
A
worse/new neurological findings features of UMN features suggesting cancer trauma systemic or severe local infection
12
Q
other places to refer
A
facial nerve specialist
ophthalmologist
counselling
