Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Sambit Prasad
sambit.prasad@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Bell’s palsy accounts for almost three quarters of all acute facial palsies, with the highest incidence in the15 to 45 year old age group. The most alarming symptom of Bell’s palsy is paresis; up to three quarters of affected patients think they have had a stroke or have an intracranial tumour. The palsy is often sudden in onset and evolves rapidly, with maximal facial weakness developing within two days. Treatment is probably more effective before72 hours and less effective after seven days. Bell’s palsy reported in a twenty-seven year old male patient, with no other neurological defect, was treated with systemic corticosteroids within 24 hours of onset of the disease. We outline recent developments in Bell’s palsy and current best evidence in its management.

Keywords: Bell’s palsy, Paresis, Corticosteroids.