Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a type of facial paralysis that results in a temporary inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side of the face.<ref name=NIH2016/> In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves over weeks.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.<ref name=NIH2016/> They may include muscle twitching, weakness, or total loss of the ability to move one or, in rare cases, both sides of the face.<ref name=NIH2016>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Other symptoms include drooping of the eyebrow,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> a change in taste, and pain around the ear. Typically symptoms come on over 48 hours.<ref name=NIH2016/> Bell's palsy can trigger an increased sensitivity to sound known as hyperacusis.<ref name="Purves1">Template:Cite book</ref>

The cause of Bell's palsy is unknown<ref name=NIH2016/> and it can occur at any age.<ref name=":1" /> Risk factors include diabetes, a recent upper respiratory tract infection, and pregnancy.<ref name=NIH2016/><ref name=Preg2017>Template:Cite journal</ref> It results from a dysfunction of cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve).<ref name=NIH2016/> Many believe that this is due to a viral infection that results in swelling.<ref name=NIH2016/> Diagnosis is based on a person's appearance and ruling out other possible causes.<ref name=NIH2016/> Other conditions that can cause facial weakness include brain tumor, stroke, Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease.<ref name=Ful2016/>

The condition normally gets better by itself, with most achieving normal or near-normal function.<ref name=NIH2016/> Corticosteroids have been found to improve outcomes, while antiviral medications may be of a small additional benefit.<ref name=Gag2015>Template:Cite journal</ref> The eye should be protected from drying up with the use of eye drops or an eyepatch.<ref name=NIH2016/> Surgery is generally not recommended.<ref name=NIH2016/> Often signs of improvement begin within 14 days, with complete recovery within six months.<ref name=NIH2016/> A few may not recover completely or have a recurrence of symptoms.<ref name=NIH2016/>

Bell's palsy is the most common cause of one-sided facial nerve paralysis (70%).<ref name=Ful2016/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It occurs in 1 to 4 per 10,000 people per year.<ref name=Ful2016>Template:Cite journal</ref> About 1.5% of people are affected at some point in their lives.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It most commonly occurs in people between ages 15 and 60.<ref name=NIH2016/> Males and females are affected equally.<ref name=NIH2016/> It is named after Scottish surgeon Charles Bell (1774–1842), who first described the connection of the facial nerve to the condition.<ref name=NIH2016/>

Although defined as a mononeuritis (involving only one nerve), people diagnosed with Bell's palsy may have "myriad neurological symptoms", including "facial tingling, moderate or severe headache/neck pain, memory problems, balance problems, ipsilateral limb paresthesias, ipsilateral limb weakness, and a sense of clumsiness" that are "unexplained by facial nerve dysfunction".<ref name=Morris/>

Signs and symptoms

Bell's palsy is characterized by a one-sided facial droop that comes on within 72 hours.<ref name=CPG2013/> In rare cases (<1%), it can occur on both sides resulting in total facial paralysis.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

The facial nerve controls many functions, such as blinking and closing the eyes, smiling, frowning, lacrimation, salivation, flaring nostrils and raising eyebrows. It also carries taste sensations from the anterior two thirds of the tongue, through the chorda tympani nerve (a branch of the facial nerve). Because of this, people with Bell's palsy may present with loss of taste sensation in the anterior two thirds of the tongue on the affected side.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref>

The facial nerve innervates the stapedius muscle of the middle ear (through the tympanic branch), which reflexively dampens the conduction of loud sounds. Thus, Bell's Palsy may cause normal sounds to be perceived as very loud (hyperacusis), and dysacusis is possible but hardly ever clinically evident.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=moore>Template:Cite book</ref>

Cause

File:Cranial nerve VII.svg

Facial nerve: the facial nerve's nuclei are in the brainstem (represented in the diagram by "θ"). Orange: nerves coming from the left hemisphere of the brain, yellow: nerves coming from the right hemisphere. Note that the forehead muscles receive innervation from both hemispheres (yellow and orange)

The cause of Bell's palsy is unknown.<ref name=NIH2016/> Risk factors include diabetes, a recent upper respiratory tract infection, and pregnancy.<ref name=NIH2016/><ref name=Preg2017/>

Some viruses are thought to establish a persistent (or latent) infection without symptoms, e.g., the varicella zoster virus<ref>Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy Information on MedicineNet.com www.medicinenet.com Template:Webarchive</ref> and the Epstein–Barr virus, both of the herpes family. Reactivation of an existing (dormant) viral infection has been suggested as a cause of acute Bell's palsy.<ref name=Furuta/> As the facial nerve swells and becomes inflamed in reaction to the infection, it causes pressure within the Fallopian canal, resulting in the restriction of blood and oxygen to the nerve cells.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Other viral and bacterial infections that have been linked to the development of Bell's palsy include HIV and Lyme disease.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> This new activation could be triggered by trauma, environmental factors, and metabolic or emotional disorders.<ref name=Kasse>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Familial inheritance has been found in 4–14% of cases.<ref name=Familial>Template:Cite journal</ref> There may also be an association with migraines.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In December 2020, the U.S. FDA recommended that recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines should be monitored for symptoms of Bell's palsy after several cases were reported among clinical trial participants, though the data were not sufficient to determine a causal link.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Genetics

A meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified the first unequivocal association with Bell's palsy.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Pathophysiology

Bell's palsy is the result of a malfunction of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which controls the muscles of the face. Facial palsy is typified by an inability to move the muscles of facial expression. The paralysis is of the infranuclear/lower motor neuron type.

It is thought that as a result of inflammation of the facial nerve, pressure is produced on the nerve where it exits the skull within its bony canal (the stylomastoid foramen), blocking the transmission of neural signals or damaging the nerve. Patients with facial palsy for which an underlying cause can be found are not considered to have Bell's palsy per se. Possible causes of facial paralysis include tumor, meningitis, stroke, diabetes mellitus, head trauma and inflammatory diseases of the cranial nerves (sarcoidosis, brucellosis, etc.). In these conditions, the neurologic findings are rarely restricted to the facial nerve. Babies can be born with facial palsy.<ref>MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma Template:Webarchive retrieved 10 September 2008</ref> In a few cases, bilateral facial palsy has been associated with acute HIV infection.

In some research, the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been identified in a majority of cases diagnosed as Bell's palsy through endoneurial fluid sampling.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Other research, however, identified, out of a total of 176 cases diagnosed as Bell's palsy, HSV-1 in 31 cases (18%) and herpes zoster in 45 cases (26%).<ref name=Furuta>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In addition, HSV-1 infection is associated with demyelination of nerves. This nerve damage mechanism is different from the above-mentioned—that edema, swelling, and compression of the nerve in the narrow bone canal are responsible for nerve damage. Demyelination may not even be directly caused by the virus but by an unknown immune response.

Diagnosis

Bell's palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is diagnosed by the elimination of other reasonable possibilities. By definition, no specific cause can be determined. There are no routine lab or imaging tests required to make the diagnosis.<ref name=CPG2013/> The degree of nerve damage can be assessed using the House-Brackmann score.

One study found that 45% of patients are not referred to a specialist, which suggests that Bell's palsy is considered by physicians to be a straightforward diagnosis that is easy to manage.<ref name=Morris>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include herpes zoster, Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, stroke, and brain tumors.<ref name=CPG2013/>

Differential diagnosis

Once the facial paralysis sets in, many people may mistake it as a symptom of a stroke; however, there are a few subtle differences. A stroke will usually cause a few additional symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms and legs. And unlike Bell's palsy, a stroke will usually let patients control the upper part of their faces. A person with a stroke will usually have some wrinkling on their forehead.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=garro_2018/>

In areas where Lyme disease is common, it accounts for about 25% of cases of facial palsy.<ref name=garro_2018>Template:Cite journal</ref> In the U.S., Lyme is most common in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states and parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota.<ref name=CDC-Lyme-Data>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first sign of about 80% of Lyme infections, typically one or two weeks after a tick bite, is usually an expanding rash that may be accompanied by headaches, body aches, fatigue, or fever.<ref name=CDC_Lyme_rashes>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In up to 10–15% of Lyme infections, facial palsy appears several weeks later, and may be the first sign of infection that is noticed as the Lyme rash typically does not itch and is not painful.<ref name=wright_2012>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=NEJM2014>Template:Cite journal</ref> The likelihood that the facial palsy is caused by Lyme disease should be estimated, based on the recent history of outdoor activities in likely tick habitats during warmer months, a recent history of rash or symptoms such as headache and fever, and whether the palsy affects both sides of the face (much more common in Lyme than in Bell's palsy). If that likelihood is more than negligible, a serological test for Lyme disease should be performed, and if it exceeds 10%, empiric therapy with antibiotics should be initiated, without corticosteroids, and reevaluated upon completion of laboratory tests for Lyme disease.<ref name=garro_2018/> Corticosteroids have been found to harm outcomes for facial palsy caused by Lyme disease.<ref name=garro_2018/>

One disease that may be difficult to exclude in the differential diagnosis is the involvement of the facial nerve in infections with the herpes zoster virus. The major differences in this condition are the presence of small blisters, or vesicles, on the external ear, significant pain in the jaw, ear, face, and/or neck, and hearing disturbances, but these findings may occasionally be lacking (zoster sine herpete). Reactivation of existing herpes zoster infection leading to facial paralysis in a Bell's palsy type pattern is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2. The prognosis for Bell's palsy patients is generally much better than for Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2 patients.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Treatment

Steroids are effective at improving recovery in Bell's palsy while antivirals have not.<ref name=CPG2013/> In those who are unable to close their eyes, eye-protective measures are required.<ref name=CPG2013>Template:Cite journal</ref> Management during pregnancy is similar to management in the non-pregnant.<ref name=Preg2017/>

Steroids

Corticosteroids such as prednisone improve recovery at 6 months and are thus recommended.<ref name="ReferenceA">Template:Cite journal</ref> Early treatment (within 3 days after the onset) is necessary for benefit<ref name="Surgery09"/> with a 14% greater probability of recovery.<ref name="Evidence-based guideline update: st">Template:Cite journal</ref> There is some debate regarding the optimal dosing strategy which is generally physician dependent.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Antivirals

One review found that antivirals (such as aciclovir) are ineffective in improving recovery from Bell's palsy beyond steroids alone in mild to moderate disease.<ref name="Antiviral treatment of Bell's palsy">Template:Cite journal</ref> Another review found a benefit when combined with corticosteroids but stated the evidence was not very good to support this conclusion.<ref name=Gag2015 />

In severe disease, it is also unclear. One 2015 review found no effect regardless of severity.<ref name="Antiviral treatment of Bell's palsy"/> Another review found a small benefit when added to steroids.<ref name=Gag2015/>

They are commonly prescribed due to a theoretical link between Bell's palsy and the herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus.<ref name="Sullivan-NEJM">Template:Cite journal</ref> There is still the possibility that they might result in a benefit less than 7% as this has not been ruled out.<ref name="Evidence-based guideline update: st"/>

Eye protection

When Bell's palsy affects the blink reflex and stops the eye from closing completely, frequent use of tear-like eye drops or eye ointments is recommended during the day, and protecting the eyes with patches or taping them shut is recommended for sleep and rest periods.<ref name=garro_2018/><ref name=OTC-Drops>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be beneficial to some individuals with Bell's palsy as it helps to maintain muscle tone of the affected facial muscles and stimulate the facial nerve.<ref name="ninds">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is important that muscle re-education exercises and soft tissue techniques be implemented before recovery to help prevent permanent contractures of the paralyzed facial muscles.<ref name="ninds"/> To reduce pain, heat can be applied to the affected side of the face.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> There is no high-quality evidence to support the role of electrical stimulation for Bell's palsy.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Surgery

Surgery may be able to improve outcomes in facial nerve palsy that has not recovered.<ref name=Surgery09>Template:Cite journal</ref> A number of different techniques exist.<ref name=Surgery09/> Smile surgery or smile reconstruction is a surgical procedure that may restore the smile for people with facial nerve paralysis. Adverse effects include hearing loss which occurs in 3–15% of people.<ref name="AFP2007">Template:Cite journal</ref> A Cochrane review (updated in 2021), after reviewing applicable randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials was unable to determine if early surgery is beneficial or harmful.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> As of 2007 the American Academy of Neurology did not recommend surgical decompression.<ref name=AFP2007/>

Alternative medicine

The efficacy of acupuncture remains unknown because the available studies are of low quality (poor primary study design or inadequate reporting practices).<ref name="acupuncture">Template:Cite journal</ref> There is very tentative evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in severe disease.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Prognosis

Most people with Bell's palsy start to regain normal facial function within three weeks—even those who do not receive treatment.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In a 1982 study, when no treatment was available, of 1,011 patients, 85% showed first signs of recovery within three weeks after onset. For the other 15%, recovery occurred 3–6 months later.

After a follow-up of at least one year or until restoration, complete recovery had occurred in more than two-thirds (71%) of all patients. Recovery was judged moderate in 12% and poor in only 4% of patients.<ref>Template:Cite journal quoted in Template:Cite journal</ref> Another study found that incomplete palsies disappear entirely, nearly always in one month. The patients who regain movement within the first two weeks nearly always remit entirely. When remission does not occur until the third week or later, a significantly greater part of the patients develop sequelae.<ref name="Act Otol 1966">Template:Cite journal</ref> A third study found a better prognosis for young patients, aged below 10 years old, while the patients over 61 years old presented a worse prognosis.<ref name=Kasse/>

Major possible complications of the condition are chronic loss of taste (ageusia), chronic facial spasm, facial pain, and corneal infections. Another complication can occur in case of incomplete or erroneous regeneration of the damaged facial nerve. The nerve can be thought of as a bundle of smaller individual nerve connections that branch out to their proper destinations. During regrowth, nerves are generally able to track the original path to the right destination—but some nerves may sidetrack leading to a condition known as synkinesis. For instance, the regrowth of nerves controlling muscles attached to the eye may sidetrack and also regrow connections reaching the muscles of the mouth. In this way, the movement of one also affects the other. For example, when the person closes the eye, the corner of the mouth lifts involuntarily.

Around 9% of people have some sort of ongoing problems after Bell's palsy, typically the synkinesis already discussed, or spasm, contracture, tinnitus, or hearing loss during facial movement or crocodile-tear syndrome.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> This is also called gustatolacrimal reflex or Bogorad's syndrome and results in shedding tears while eating. This is thought to be due to faulty regeneration of the facial nerve, a branch of which controls the lacrimal and salivary glands. Gustatorial sweating can also occur.

Epidemiology

The number of new cases of Bell's palsy ranges from about one to four cases per 10,000 population per year.<ref name=Ahmed/> The rate increases with age.<ref name=Ful2016/><ref name=Ahmed>Template:Cite journal</ref> Bell's palsy affects about 40,000 people in the United States every year. It affects approximately 1 person in 65 during a lifetime.

A range of annual incidence rates have been reported in the literature: 15,<ref name=Familial/> 24,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and 25–53<ref name=Morris/> (all rates per 100,000 population per year). Bell's palsy is not a reportable disease, and there are no established registries for people with this diagnosis,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> which complicates precise estimation.

Frequency

About 40,000 people are affected by Bell's palsy in the United States every year. It can affect anyone of any gender and age, but its incidence seems to be highest in those in the 15- to 45-year-old age group.<ref name="NIH2016" />

History

File:CharlesBell001.jpg

Scottish neurophysiologist Sir Charles Bell was the first author to describe the anatomical basis for facial paralysis, and has since served as the eponym for Bell's palsy.

The Persian physician Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (865–925) detailed the first known description of peripheral and central facial palsy.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Cornelis Stalpart van der Wiel (1620–1702) in 1683 gave an account of Bell's palsy and credited the Persian physician Ibn Sina (980–1037) for describing this condition before him. James Douglas (1675–1742) and Template:Interlanguage link (1761–1836) also described it.

Scottish neurophysiologist Sir Charles Bell read his paper to the Royal Society of London on July 12, 1821, describing the role of the facial nerve. He became the first to detail the neuroanatomical basis of facial paralysis. Since then, idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis has been referred to as Bell's palsy, named after him.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

A notable person with Bell's palsy is former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chrétien.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the 1993 federal election, Chrétien's first as leader of the Liberal Party, the opposition Progressive Conservative Party ran an attack ad in which voice actors criticized him over images that seemed to highlight his abnormal facial expressions. The ad was interpreted as an attack on Chrétien's physical appearance and garnered widespread anger among the public, while Chrétien used the ad to make himself more sympathetic to voters. The ad had the adverse effect of increasing Chrétien's lead in the polls and the subsequent backlash clinched the election for the Liberals, who won in a landslide.