Bell's palsy characteristics, clinical manifestations, complications, and prognosis in a primary care setting, a single center study: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Bell's palsy (BP) is a cranial nerve disorder in which unilateral or bilateral paralysis of the facial nerve occurs. The study aims to study BP's characteristics, including its clinical manifestations, prognosis, and complications among adult patients aged 18 years and above.

Methods: A retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with BP in a primary care setting] [January 2015 to December 2022].

Results: The study included a total number of 92 patients with an incidence rate of 23 cases per 100,000 people. The mean age was 43.52 years. The most common symptoms reported were dropping of the mouth at 38.9%, loss of forehead muscle movement at 24.4%, loss of nasolabial fold at 22.2%, loss of facial expressions at 20%, and headache at 18.9%. Immunodeficiency affected 2.3% of the patients. The management of patients involved the use of steroids in 76.1% and the use of antiretroviral medications in 48.9%. Physiotherapy was used in 29.5%. The complete recovery rate during the first year was 90.8%. The rate of complete recovery within two years was 96.9%.

Conclusion: The incidence of BP in the region seems to be similar to the incidence rate reported elsewhere in the world. The use of antiviral therapy seems to be high despite the controversy around the use of antivirals in the management of BP. The majority of patients with BP recover within the first year.

Keywords: Bell’s palsy; clinical features; epidemiology; facial nerve paralysis; primary care; prognosis.