Abstract

CLINICAL REVIEW ON OCCURENCE, DIAGNOSIS, RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF BELL’s PALSY

Suha Zulekha*, Saba Farooqui, Zuha Shyma, Hina Aisha, Fathima Nashiya and Adarsh V. V.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Bell’s palsy is named after Sir Charles Bell, who detailed and outlined idiopathic facial paralysis. It affects the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII [CNVII]). It results in muscle weakness on one side of the face. Males and females are equally affected by Bell's palsy, which can afflict anyone at any age but is more common between the ages of 15 and 45. Bell's palsy accounts for up to 70% of symptoms of acute unilateral facial paralysis in the United States and is diagnosed in roughly 25 to 30 people per 100,000 people each year. The main objective of this review was to identify relevant studies on facial palsy, focusing on the risks, diagnosis, occurrence, and management of this condition. Bell's palsy is typically considered idiopathic, meaning that the exact cause is unknown. However, various potential causes have been identified, including the reactivation of viruses like herpes simplex, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
and hepatitis C virus. In addition, there are several risk factors associated with Bell's palsy, such as age, pregnancy, epilepsy, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory tract infections. Using appropriate keywords, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed and Science Direct databases to access relevant resource. This clinical review provides valuable information about the diagnosis, management, occurrence, and risk factors of this condition. Its main purpose is to help professionals and patients make informed healthcare decisions, influence policy, and identify future research priorities.

Keywords: Facial palsy, Facial nerve inflammation, Unilateral paralysis, Muscle weakness.