Vestibular disorders in Bell's palsy: A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Bell's palsy (BP) is a common neurological disorder affecting facial nerve function.
• Vestibular system involvement in BP is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vestibular abnormalities in Bell's palsy patients.
• To compare vestibular function in BP patients versus a healthy population.
• To investigate the correlation between vestibular abnormalities and clinical outcomes in BP.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 120 participants.
• 60 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
• Computerized vector-electronystagmography (VENG) was used to assess vestibular function.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five percent of Bell's palsy patients showed evidence of peripheral vestibular syndrome.
• All control subjects exhibited normal vestibular function (p<0.001).
• No significant relationship was found between vestibular abnormalities and the degree of improvement in facial palsy.

Conclusions:

• Vestibular abnormalities are present in 25% of Bell's palsy patients.
• The frequency of vestibular abnormalities is significantly higher in BP patients compared to controls.
• Vestibular function abnormalities do not appear to predict the clinical recovery of facial nerve function in Bell's palsy.