Initial Treatment and Referral Patterns for Acute Facial Palsy: Insights From Emergency Department Practices

To investigate variations in Bell's Palsy treatment and referrals within the Emergency Department (ED), with a focus on sociodemographic and provider-related factors.

A retrospective cohort review was performed including patients with a new diagnosis of Bell's Palsy or acute facial paralysis treated at a single, tertiary academic ED between 2017 and 2024. Management practices, including the use of steroids, antivirals, imaging, specialty consultations, and referrals, were evaluated across sociodemographic variables and provider types. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify differences in management practices.

The final cohort comprised 887 patients. Of these, 82.1% received steroids, 57.7% received antivirals, and 57.3% underwent imaging. Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to receive imaging (OR 0.48, p = 0.006), whereas older patients were more likely to undergo imaging (OR 1.04, p < 0.001). Patients with Medicare and Medicaid insurance were less likely to receive bimodal therapy (steroids with antivirals) compared to private insurance holders (OR 0.30, p < 0.001 and OR 0.49, p < 0.001, respectively). Residents and fellows were more likely to obtain specialty consults (OR 2.51, p < 0.001) and imaging (OR 1.42, p = 0.043) than attending physicians. Nearly one third of patients received subspecialty consultation by neurology (26.0%), otolaryngology (6.2%), or plastic surgery (0.2%).

Despite increasing awareness regarding the treatment of acute facial palsy, this study reveals existing disparities in initial management by age, insurance status, race, and provider type. Efforts should focus on increasing provider awareness of treatment guidelines to standardize management protocols for improved care delivery and equity.