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Updated: May 28, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Bell's Palsy
Sarah N Dalrymple1, Jessica H Row1, John D Gazewood1
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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.
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