Idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)

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Abstract
Article abstract To improve prognosis in Bell9s palsy, the predictive value of each item of an extensive research protocol was analyzed in 446 patients having a single bout of palsy and adequate follow-up. Factors tentatively identified as associated with a severe course or a poor outcome, or both, were hyperacusis, decreased tearing as proved by the Schirmer test, age greater than 60 years, associated diabetes, hypertension, or — surprisingly —psychoneurosis. Simultaneous analysis of all variables disproved some apparent associations. It is suggested that aural, anterior facial, or radicular pain carries a graver prognosis than retroauricular pain and that surgical decompression is detrimental to recovery.

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