Bell’s Palsy
Key Points
Key Points
- Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paresis/paralysis, and the most common acute mononeuropathy.
- Patients may have impaired eye closure which may lead to eye injury.
- Not all patients with facial paresis/paralysis have Bell’s palsy. Alternative underlying etiologies must be considered.
Figure 1. Bell's Palsy
Diagnosis
...agnosi...
...a patient with facial paresis/paralysis for Bel...
Table 1. Abbreviations and Definitions of Common Terms
...viations and Definitions of Common TermsHav...
Table 2. House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System
...use-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading Sy...
Table 3. Etiologies and Clinical Features of Facial Paralysis
...gies and Clinical Features of Facial P...
Treatment
...atment...
...mmary of Guideline Action Statement...
Diagnost...
...and physical examinationClinicians should asses...
Laboratory testingClinicians should...
...c imagingClinicians should NOT routinely perfor...
...iagnostic Testing...
...te paresis/paralysisClinicians should NOT per...
...th complete paresis/paralysisClinicians may...
...reatment
...teroids...
...useClinicians should prescribe oral stero...
Antiviral Thera...
...linicians should NOT prescribe oral antiviral t...
...linicians may offer oral antiviral therapy in ad...
Other
...ans should implement eye protection for Bell’s...
...compressionNo recommendation can be mad...
...tureNo recommendation can be made regard...
...therapyNo recommendation can be made regardin...
...low-upClinicians should reassess or refer...
Figure 2. Bell’s Palsy Management Algorithm
...re 2. Bell’s Palsy Management Algorithm