Bell's Palsy: Current Status

Abstract

Ipsilateral peripheral facial weakness of sudden onset, named after Sir James Bell, though a self recovering disease but presents with hazards like Facial pain, weakness of facial muscle, deviated angle of mouth, synkinesis, crocodile tear and jaw wink etc. It is caused by HSV Common above 70 years age, less common below 10 years, children are commonly affected during winter, 3rd trimester of pregnancy is more succeptable for HSV infection and affect 20 per lakh of population. Conventional regieme constitute Antivial ,steroid and physical therapy but the modified regieme constituting Antiviral (Famciclovir), Neurovitamin with Betamethasone, Bioneurogen and active passive exercise improves the therapeutic outcome even in patients with associated risk factor as evidenced in 253 patients who recovered completely within 45 days of therapy without any consequent sequel.