5 - Bell's Palsy

Question 1

Clinical features of Bell’s Palsy?

Answer 1

Rapid onset unilateral facial muscle weakness with associated numbness

Question 2

Distinguishing feature between stroke/TIA and Bell’s Palsy and why?

Answer 2

Inability to raise eyebrow (no forehead sparing)

- suggests a LMN lesion rather than an UMN lesion, which would occur in stroke

Question 3

Management of Bell’s Palsy?

Answer 3

<72 hours after onset = consider prednisolone

> 72 hours after onset = reassure and send them home

Question 4

Prognosis for Bell’s Palsy?

Answer 4

Good - most patients make a full recovery within 3-4 months