Bell's Palsy
Definition
It is defined as an idiopathic paresis or paralysisof the facial nerve of sudden
onset. (Unilaterallower motor neuron paralysis of sudden onset, not related to
any other disease elsewhere in the
body).
The name was ascribed to Sir Charles Bell, who in 1821,demonstrated the
separation of the motor and sensory innervation of the face.
Incidence- 15 to 40 cases per 1 lac cases.
Sex predilection-women are more affected than men.
Age-It can occur atany age. But more seen in the middle-aged people.
Side involvement: It can be equally seen involving the right or left nerves. It is
unilateral but in 1 per cent of cases bilateral involvement can be seen.
Maximum disability occurs: within 48-72 hrs.
Familial incidence: 4.1%
Recurrence rate: 4.5 -15%
Aetiology:
Five hypotheses have been proposed regarding aetiology, but many times a
combination of factorsmay be in the play.
1. Rheumatic hypothesis:
Berard (1936)proposed that rheumatic
swelling may press the nerve
against the walls of the fallopiancanal. Obsolete theory.
2. Cold hypothesis
Proposed by Charles Bell. Exposure to extreme cold or cold draught can
bring about the disorder.
3. Ischaemic hypothesis
Definition
It is defined as an idiopathic paresis or paralysisof the facial nerve of sudden
onset. (Unilaterallower motor neuron paralysis of sudden onset, not related to
any other disease elsewhere in the
body).
The name was ascribed to Sir Charles Bell, who in 1821,demonstrated the
separation of the motor and sensory innervation of the face.
Incidence- 15 to 40 cases per 1 lac cases.
Sex predilection-women are more affected than men.
Age-It can occur atany age. But more seen in the middle-aged people.
Side involvement: It can be equally seen involving the right or left nerves. It is
unilateral but in 1 per cent of cases bilateral involvement can be seen.
Maximum disability occurs: within 48-72 hrs.
Familial incidence: 4.1%
Recurrence rate: 4.5 -15%
Aetiology:
Five hypotheses have been proposed regarding aetiology, but many times a
combination of factorsmay be in the play.
1. Rheumatic hypothesis:
Berard (1936)proposed that rheumatic
swelling may press the nerve
against the walls of the fallopiancanal. Obsolete theory.
2. Cold hypothesis
Proposed by Charles Bell. Exposure to extreme cold or cold draught can
bring about the disorder.
3. Ischaemic hypothesis
