Bell's Palsy

Abstract

Bell's palsy is acute weakness of the facial muscles associated with compression of cranial nerve VII. The annual incidence is 20 to 30 per 100,000. Diagnosis is based on a thorough history and physical examination, with careful attention to exclude other causes of facial weakness, such as stroke or Lyme disease. Oral corticosteroids improve recovery rates and antiviral medications reduce synkinesis. Most patients will recover completely. Physical therapy and Botox injections can help patients with persistent symptoms. The roles of surgery and acupuncture remain unclear. Close follow-up is warranted and patients without improvement should be referred to a specialist.

Keywords: Bell palsy; Bell’s palsy; Idiopathic facial nerve palsy; Peripheral facial palsy.