Bell's Palsy

Question 1

What is Bell’s palsy?

Answer 1

Acute, unilateral, idiopathic (spontaneous, unknown cause), facial nerve palsy.

Question 2

What disease is linked to Bell’s palsy?

Answer 2

Herpes simplex virus

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 3

Peak incidence 20-40 years

More common in pregnant women

Question 4

What are the features of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 4

LMN facial nerve palsy - forehead affected

Paralysis of ENTIRE one side of face coming on within 72 hours.

(Anything innervated Facial Nerve)
One sided paralysis
Drooping of eyelid/corner mouth - drooling.
Dry mouth, loss of taste.
Eye irritation, dryness or more tears.

Question 5

What is the management of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 5

Prednisolone

Artificial tears and eye lubricants.

Question 6

What is the prognosis of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 6

If untreated around 15% of patients have permanent moderate - severe weakness
Most recover in 9 months

Question 7

What is the difference between Bell’s palsy (LMN lesion) and an UMN lesion?

Answer 7

A LMN lesion affects the entire face where an UMN lesion ‘spares’ the upper face.