SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-Bell's Palsy

Pdf Summary

Bell’s Palsy is characterized by a sudden onset of facial nerve paralysis, most commonly caused by inflammation leading to compression of the facial nerve. It typically presents as unilateral facial weakness, progressing rapidly over a few days. While the exact cause is often unknown, it may be associated with viral infections like Herpes Simplex or occur more frequently in pregnant or diabetic individuals. Symptoms can range from facial drooping to difficulty in closing the eyes, drooling, and changes in taste or tear production. Differential diagnoses include Lyme Disease, stroke, tumors, and other serious conditions that need to be ruled out. Evaluation involves assessing the degree of weakness, considering the patient's history for potential causes like tick bites, and performing imaging studies if needed. Treatment usually involves steroid therapy, sometimes combined with antiviral medication, with most cases showing spontaneous recovery within weeks. Referral to a specialist may be necessary if there is no improvement. Surgery is considered in chronic cases as a last resort. It is crucial to differentiate Bell’s Palsy from central causes of facial paralysis through a thorough examination to ensure appropriate management.

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Michael Giunta, Nicole Terrigno

Keywords

Bell's Palsy

facial nerve paralysis

inflammation

unilateral facial weakness

viral infections

Herpes Simplex

pregnancy

diabetes

facial drooping

steroid therapy