Evidence based management of Bell's palsy

Abstract

Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis) is caused by the acute onset of lower motor neurone weakness of the facial nerve with no detectable cause. With a lifetime risk of 1 in 60 and an annual incidence of 11-40/100,000 population, the condition resolves completely in around 71% of untreated cases. In the remainder facial nerve function will be impaired in the long term. We summarise current published articles regarding early management strategies to maximise recovery of facial nerve function and minimise long-term sequelae in the condition.

Keywords: Accupuncture; Antiviral therapy; Bell's palsy; Corticosteroids; Hyperbaric oxygen; Idiopathic facial paralysis; Physical therapy; Surgery.