bells palsy Flashcards
what is bells palsy
unilateral facial nerve palsy
what is the suspected cause of facial nerve
swelling and inflammation of the facial nerve
what is the facial nerve responsible for
responsible for facial expression
e.g. blinking, squinting
list 3 features of bells palsy
sudden muscle weakness
drooping of mouth
drooling
inability to close eyes
distorted sense of taste
what is the known cause of bells palsy
idiopathic
no known cause
list some viral causes of bells palsy
HSV
varicella zoster
EBV
CMV
list 3 Rfs for bells palsy
diabetes
hypertension
obesity
pregnancy
when does bells palsy reach peak severity of symptoms
72 hours from time of onset
how can you distinguish between a stroke and bells palsy
in stroke the upper forehead is not usually affected
what must be given to patients with bells palsy to prevent the eye from drying out
eye drops
when is complete recovery of bells palsy usually achieved
in about 6 months
what can be used to reduce inflammation and improve recovery in bells palsy
corticosteroids
