Bell's Palsy: Description, Diagnosis, and Current Management

Bell's palsy, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, is a neuropathy that affects the seventh cranial nerve, the facial. Its presentation is unmistakable by a trained clinician. It usually presents with unilateral facial weakness, reduced forehead wrinkling, nasolabial fold flattening, drooping of the corner of the mouth, and drooling. Its comorbidities are thought to include diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion with treatments ranging from corticosteroids to antivirals, to a combination of both corticosteroids and antivirals, to acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic. Most patients will recover fully within six months regardless of the treatment.