ISSN : 2663-2187

Electrodiagnosis and Ultrasonographic Assessment of Bell’s Palsy

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Ghada S. Nageeb , Abeer M. Elshafey , Mahmoud M. Gabal , Alaa Othman Mohamed
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.2.2024.2664-2672

Abstract

Background: The facial nerve, the seventh cranial nerve, is responsible for innervating the head and neck region. Bell’s palsy is the most common cranial neuropathy, causing facial nerve paralysis, which is typically unilateral. It accounts for 60-75% of cases of facial palsy. Bell's palsy is acute idiopathic unilateral lower motor neuron facial nerve weakness or paralysis, with no other neurologic or systemic manifestations. Most cases recover within months, with 85-90% of patients recovering completely within one month. However, 15% progress to complete degeneration and may develop complications like residual paresis, contracture, and synkinesis. Electrodiagnostic tests used to evaluate facial nerve function include nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and blink reflex. Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is becoming a standard element in evaluating peripheral nerve and muscle disease. Recent studies suggest an additional role for neuromuscular ultrasonography as a measure of disease severity and distribution. Ultrasound has been used to predict facial nerve outcomes in Bell's palsy. Facial nerve diameter is measured proximally, distally, and midway, and the average diameter is calculated using these measurements.

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