MDT Bells Palsy Flashcards
Bell’s Palsy is a lower motor neuron disease that effects what cranial nerve?
VII
What is Bell’s phenomenon
Upward rolling of the eye on attempted lid closure.
Bells Palsy
Seizure vs. stroke
In a stroke, there is NO_____ of the forehead
Paralysis
Bells Palsy
Seizure vs. stroke
Intact forehead muscle tone suggests what?
STROKE not BELL’s Palsy
what is the Clinical presentation of Bells Palsy
-Abrupt onset of unilateral facial paralysis
-Pain about the ear that precedes or
accompanies the weakness
-Face feels stiff and pulled on one side
-May have ipsilateral restriction of eye closure and difficulty with eating and fine facial movements.
-Bell’s phenomenon
True/ false
Herpse Simplex Virus, Lyme disease or HIV can be associated with Bells Palsy
True
True/ False
60% of all patients remain disfigured from bells palsy?
False
60% of all cases recover completely without treatment
What medication can be used for mild to moderate Bell’s Palsy
Prednisone 60mg PO daily x7 days, then 5 day taper, best to start within 5 days of
symptoms
What medication is added to steroid treatment regimen for severe Bell’s palsy
Valacyclovir 1000mg 3 times daily for 7 days
What are some Differential Diagnoses for Bells palsy
(1) Herpes zoster
(2) Otitis Media
(3) Lyme disease
(4) Guillain-Barre syndrome
What can you use to help prevent Corneal ulceration for a Bells Palsy patient
artificial tears, lubricating ointment, and possible eye shield
Disposition: Bells Palsy
______ if eye complications or suspicious of alternative diagnosis (i.e. CVA)
Immediate referral/MEDEVAC
Disposition: Bells Palsy
_________ if mild paresis and no other symptoms to suggest alternative diagnosis
Referral to neurology/MEDADVICE
