PROGNOSTIC CLINICAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN BELL'S PLASY

Abstract

palsy ts an idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis of acute onset.

(Dobie, 1986)

Bell's palsy is universal in its occurrence and affect all ages with no racial or geographic predilection. (Dobie, 1986)

Prognosis is one of the most challenging problems concerning Bell's palsy. It is the necessary basis for assessing the effect of different therapeutic approaches and allow early intervention to minimize sever nerve damage (Ardic et al., 1997).

This study included 30 patients with Bell's palsy presentd within the l st 4 days of onset. The study aimed to find the prognostic significance of variable clinical parameters associated with Bell's palsy and the prognostic value of four electrodiagnostic testing maximal stimulation test, electroneurography, EMG and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Results revealed that among clincal parameters• studied some showed a significant association with prognosis, some showed weak significant association and the majority of parameters showed no association.

Old age, D.M., and presence of hyperacusis, facial pain and vestibular symptoms were found to be associated significantly with poor prognosis. Hypertension showed a weak significant association with poor prognosis.

Extend of paralysis show a high significant association with prognosis, and the time taken for voluntary movement to recover in cases of complete paralysis significantly related to poor outcome.

Sex, recurrent Bell's palsy, previous attack, family history, history of recent upper respiratory tract infection, taste changes periauricular pain, dry eye and epiphora, all showed no significance to prognosis.