bells palsy

Question 1

What are the CN signs of bell’s palsy ?

Answer 1

• weakness or paralysis of 1 side of face
• forehead involvement
  developing within 72hrs

often no other signs, but if there are others:
- unable to close eye on affected side
- dry mouth
- loss of taste
- eye irritation (dryness or excess tears)
- drooling

Question 2

What is the onset pattern of bell’s palsy ?

Answer 2

subacute onset within 72hrs

Question 3

What investigations are required in the case of facial hemiparesis with forehead involvement ?

Answer 3

none!

an isolated LMN facial weakness is very likely to be bell’s palsy/idiopathic which is a clinical diagnosis

Question 4

What causes bell’s palsy ?

Answer 4

the cause is unknown

Question 5

What is the treatment of bell’s palsy ?

Answer 5

steroids

(some Dr use acyclovir to but evidence is weak)

Question 6

Are the effects of bell’s palsy lifelong ?

Answer 6

the visual signs usually recover completely

Question 7

how long does recovery from bell’s palsy take ?

Answer 7

4 - 6 months to recover completely

time taken to recover relates to severity of initial facial weakness

Question 8

Are you more likely to get bell’s palsy again if you’ve had it before ?

Answer 8

no! recurrence is uncommon

Question 9

What should patients that cannot fully close their eye be advised to wear at night?

Answer 9

tape to close their eyes in order to prevent corneal damage