Definition

It is a unilateral paresis or paralysis of facial nerve with acute onset.

Etiology

No identifiable cause presents

Clinical Features

•           Patient is unable to close eyes.

•           On attempting, eye turns up and out.

•           Tears flow from eyes.

•           Dribbling of saliva from angle of mouth with drooping of angle of mouth.

•           Face is asymmetrical.

•           Noise intolerance of high intensity sounds on the affected side.

•           Loss of taste.

It is a clinical diagnosis.

Management

A.  Non-Pharmacological

•           Massage of facial muscles.

•           Proper care of eye by covering the eye and using artificial tear drops to prevent keratitis.

B.  Pharmacological

•           Prednisolone: 1 mg/kg/day.

•           For Bell's Palsy-Tab Acyclovir (200-400mg 5 times a day).

C.  Surgical Treatment

Facial N. Decompression in cases which do not respond to medical therapy.