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Bell's Palsy Is Common And Impactful
- Bell's palsy is the most common cause of unilateral facial paralysis and affects about 1 in 60 people in their lifetime.
- It causes sudden facial droop that can be socially and functionally devastating because faces are central to communication.
Make A Clinical Diagnosis Quickly
- Diagnose Bell's palsy clinically: sudden facial paralysis evolving within 72 hours, often within 24 hours, with ear discomfort, sound sensitivity and taste changes.
- Do not routine image or lab test for typical presentations unless other signs appear.
Rule Out Stroke With A Full Neuro Exam
- Urge patients with sudden facial weakness to seek immediate medical assessment to exclude stroke and other causes.
- Examine for other neurologic signs (limb weakness, vision changes, dizziness) to distinguish stroke from Bell's palsy.