Course Description:

Bell’s palsy is an acute disorder of the facial nerve, cranial nerve VII, which causes facial muscle weakness. Bell’s palsy is thought to be caused by a viral infection, and while the exact pathogenesis is not understood, it is thought to be related to inflammation and edema compressing the facial nerve. Patients with Bell’s palsy present with sudden onset of symptoms that include facial droop, inability to close the eye, ipsilateral facial numbness, and inability to smile or frown. Weakness usually progresses to partial or complete paralysis within 48 hours. In general, the prognosis is better for patients who have incomplete paralysis and those who begin to improve the first week after onset of symptoms. The role of physical therapy in the management of Bell’s palsy is disputed; but such interventions as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been reported to be effective. As the inability to completely close the eye puts these individuals at increased risk for eye injury, patient education about proper eye protection is essential.