Facial Function in Bell Palsy in a Cohort of Children Randomized to Prednisolone or Placebo 12 Months After Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Information on the medium-term recovery of children with Bell palsy or acute idiopathic lower motor neuron facial paralysis is limited. METHODS: We followed up children aged 6 months to <18 years with Bell palsy for 12 months after completion of a randomized trial on the use of prednisolone. We assessed facial function using the clinician-administered House-Brackmann scale and the modified parent-administered House-Brackmann scale. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven children were randomized to prednisolone (n = 93) or placebo (n = 94). At six months, the proportion of patients who had recovered facial function based on the clinician-administered House-Brackmann scale was 98% (n = 78 of 80) in the prednisolone group and 93% (n = 76 of 82) in the placebo group. The proportion of patients who had recovered facial function based on the modified parent-administered House-Brackmann scale was 94% (n = 75 of 80) vs 89% (n = 72 of 81) at six months (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.60, 5.86) and 96% (n = 75 of 78) vs 92% (n = 73 of 79) at 12 months (OR 3.12; 95% CI 0.61, 15.98). CONCLUSIONS: Although the vast majority had complete recovery of facial function at six months, there were some children without full recovery of facial function at 12 months, regardless of prednisolone use.

Comparison of oral versus intravenous steroid in the management of Bell's palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Bell's palsy is a condition affecting cranial nerve VII that results in acute peripheral unilateral facial weakness or paralysis of unclear etiology. Corticosteroids are the primary therapy choice, because they improve outcomes. According to a recent study, prednisolone effectively treats Bell's palsy in the short and long term. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Single-Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone to Oral Prednisolone in treating Bell's palsy patients. METHODS: PRISMA statement guidelines were used to design and conduct this systemic review. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were used in our search. We conducted the database search in November 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three publications were reviewed as a result of the literature review. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis after applying our criteria. 317 Bell's palsy patients were included in our study. Regarding complete recovery to grade 1 in 1 month, IV methylprednisolone was higher than oral prednisolone; (log OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.08, 0.97], P = 0.022). However, at 3 months, the two groups had no significant difference. Patients with grade 4 Bell's palsy were more likely to fully recover to grade 1 in 1 month with IV methylprednisolone than with oral prednisolone (log OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.19, 1.26], P = 0.008), but not for patients with grade 3 or grade 2 Bell's palsy. CONCLUSION: This study shows evidence that patients with Bell's palsy can fully recover to grade 1 in 1 month when IV methylprednisolone is used instead of oral prednisolone. At 3 months, however, there was no discernible difference between the two treatments. Within 3 days of the onset of symptoms, IV methylprednisolone treatment can be started, which may help patients recover fully to grade 1 in 1 month. However, administering IV methylprednisolone may not always have long-term advantages compared to oral prednisolone.

Variations in the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. A nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute peripheral facial paralysis may be diagnosed and treated by different specialists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the variability in the treatment of Bell's palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) among different medical specialties. METHODS: An anonymous nationwide online survey was distributed among the Spanish Societies of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Neurology (NRL) and Family and Community Medicine (GP). RESULTS: 1039 responses were obtained. 98% agreed on using corticosteroids, ORL using higher doses than NRL and GP. Among all, only 13% prescribed antivirals in BP routinely, while 31% prescribed them occasionally. The percentage of specialists not using antivirals for RHS was 5% of ORL, 11% of NRL, and 23% of GP (GP vs. NRL p = 0.001; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002). 99% recommended eye care. Exercises as chewing gum or blowing balloons were prescribed by 45% of the participants with statistically significant differences among the three specialties (GP vs. NRL p = 0.021; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: There is general agreement in the use of corticosteroids and recommending eye care as part of the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. Yet, there are discrepancies in corticosteroids dosage, use of antivirals and recommendation of facial exercises among specialties.

Pain in children with Bell's palsy: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and severity of pain experienced by children with Bell's palsy over the first 6 months of illness and its association with the severity of facial paralysis. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data obtained in a phase III, triple-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of prednisolone for the treatment of Bell's palsy in children aged 6 months to <18 years conducted between 13 October 2015 and 23 August 2020 in Australia and New Zealand. Children were recruited within 72 hours of symptom onset and pain was assessed using a child-rated visual analogue scale (VAS), a child-rated Faces Pain Score-Revised (FPS-R) and/or a parent-rated VAS at baseline, and at 1, 3 and 6 months until recovered, and are reported combined across treatment groups. RESULTS: Data were available for 169 of the 187 children randomised from at least one study time point. Overall, 37% (62/169) of children reported any pain at least at one time point. The frequency of any pain reported using the child-rated VAS, child-rated FPS-R and parent-rated VAS was higher at the baseline assessment (30%, 23% and 27%, respectively) compared with 1-month (4%, 0% and 4%, respectively) and subsequent follow-up assessments. At all time points, the median pain score on all three scales was 0 (no pain). CONCLUSIONS: Pain in children with Bell's palsy was infrequent and primarily occurred early in the disease course and in more severe disease. The intensity of pain, if it occurs, is very low throughout the clinical course of disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12615000563561.

Bell Palsy: Facts and Current Research Perspectives.

Bell palsy is a non-progressive neurological condition characterized by the acute onset of ipsilateral seventh cranial nerve paralysis. People who suffer from this type of facial paralysis develop a droop on one side of their face, or sometimes both. This condition is distinguished by a sudden onset of facial paralysis accompanied by clinical features such as mild fever, postauricular pain, dysgeusia, hyperacusis, facial changes, and drooling or dry eyes. Epidemiological evidence suggests that 15 to 23 people per 100,000 are affected each year, with a recurrence rate of 12%. It could be caused by ischaemic compression of the seventh cranial nerve, which could be caused by viral inflammation. Pregnant women, people with diabetes, and people with respiratory infections are more likely to have facial paralysis than the general population. Immune, viral, and ischemic pathways are all thought to play a role in the development of Bell paralysis, but the exact cause is unknown. However, there is evidence that Bell's hereditary proclivity to cause paralysis is a public health issue that has a greater impact on patients and their families. Delay or untreated Bell paralysis may contribute to an increased risk of facial impairment, as well as a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. For management, antiviral agents such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, and steroid treatment are recommended. Thus, early diagnosis accompanied by treatment of the uncertain etiology of the disorder is crucial. This paper reviews mechanistic approaches, and emerging medical perspectives on recent developments that encounter Bell palsy disorder.

The use of basic fibroblast growth factor to treat intractable Bell's palsy administered via transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.

PURPOSE: Facial nerve decompression surgery is an invasive procedure which has hitherto been the main option for patients with severe intractable Bell's palsy which is resistant to drug treatment. We have developed a new salvage treatment for such patients by using minimally invasive transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) to deliver the biological regenerative agent, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), to the damaged facial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An endoscopic salvage treatment group was studied prospectively and was made up of severe intractable Bell's palsy patients who did not respond to high dose steroid treatment and had an ENoG value of 5 % or less. This surgery group was retrospectively compared to a similar control group who had received high dose steroid only. RESULTS: Complete recovery to House-Brackmann (HB) Grade I was achieved by 44.8 % of the endoscopic salvage treatment group which was significantly higher than the 21.2 % of the control group at one-year follow up. Patients with an ENoG value of 1 % to 5 % exhibited a significantly higher complete recovery rate of 71.4 % in the endoscopic salvage treatment group than the 28.6 % of the control group. In addition, no complications were observed including hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: bFGF delivered via TEES shows considerable promise as a new salvage treatment of severe intractable Bell's palsy that is resistant to high dose steroid treatment without the risks presented by facial nerve decompression surgery.

Bell Palsy: Rapid Evidence Review.

Bell palsy should be suspected in patients with acute onset of unilateral facial weakness or paralysis involving the forehead in the absence of other neurologic abnormalities. The overall prognosis is good. More than two-thirds of patients with typical Bell palsy have a complete spontaneous recovery. For children and pregnant women, the rate of complete recovery is up to 90%. Bell palsy is idiopathic. Laboratory testing and imaging are not required for diagnosis. When other causes of facial weakness are being considered, laboratory testing may identify a treatable cause. An oral corticosteroid regimen (prednisone, 50 to 60 mg per day for five days followed by a five-day taper) is the first-line treatment for Bell palsy. Combination therapy with an oral corticosteroid and antiviral may reduce rates of synkinesis (misdirected regrowth of facial nerve fibers manifesting as involuntary co-contraction of certain facial muscles). Recommended antivirals include valacyclovir (1 g three times per day for seven days) or acyclovir (400 mg five times per day for 10 days). Treatment with antivirals alone is ineffective and not recommended. Physical therapy may be beneficial in patients with more severe paralysis.

Bell's Palsy in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Retrospective Case-Control Study of 182 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnant and postpartum women. Additionally, to compare facial outcomes in terms of Sunnybrook score following Bell's palsy with regard to corticosteroid treatment and other confounding factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: All women with Bell's palsy in pregnancy or postpartum (6 weeks after birth) with a computerized medical chart in the Stockholm Region 2005 to 2015 were included. The total number of births in the region during this period was retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Nonpregnant age-matched women with Bell's palsy served as controls. Characteristics, medication, and Sunnybrook scores were collected. Risk factors for incomplete recovery (Sunnybrook score <96) at 3 months were calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 182 pregnant and postpartum women with Bell's palsy were identified. The estimated incidence among pregnant and postpartum women was 60.5/100,000 person-years. The mean Sunnybrook score at 3 months was 74 among pregnant and postpartum women and 83 for controls (p = .002). At 12 months, Sunnybrook score was 81 and 89, respectively (p = .017). Only one-third of the pregnant women received corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy and postpartum was 60.5 per 100,000 women and year in the Stockholm Region. Sunnybrook score was poorer in pregnant women compared with postpartum and nonpregnant women throughout. Corticosteroid treatment had little effect on any patients, however, only one-third of the pregnant women received this treatment.

Management, Referral Patterns, and Outcomes in Bell's Palsy: A Single-Institution 903 Patient Series.

OBJECTIVE: In 2013, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) published guidelines for Bell's palsy (BP), including recommendations for workup, management, and specialist referral. Patients with BP often present to primary care; however, adherence to guidelines may vary by setting. This study sought to evaluate the management of patients with BP presenting to primary care, emergency department (ED), and urgent care settings. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients identified by diagnosis code for BP. RESULTS: A total of 903 patients were included; 687 (76.1%) presented to ED, 87 (9.6%) to internal medicine, 77 (8.5%) to family medicine, and 52 (5.8%) to urgent care. On presentation, 804 (89.0%) patients were prescribed corticosteroids and 592 (65.6%) antiviral therapy. Steroid therapy ranged from 1 dose to greater than a 14-day course, with 177 (19.6%) receiving an adequate duration of 10 days or greater. Referrals were provided to facial plastics and/or otolaryngology for 51 patients (5.6%). For all comers, 283 (31.3%) had complete resolution, 197 (21.8%) had an incomplete resolution, 62 (6.9%) had persistent palsy, and 361 (40.0%) lost to follow-up. In assessing the association between clinic setting and management, appropriate corticosteroid therapy (p < .01), imaging (p < .01), and eye care (p < .01) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Adherence to guidelines for BP management varies amongst providers. In our study cohort, 15.5% of patients received medical therapy in accordance with AAO-HNS guidelines, and only 5.6% were referred to facial plastics. To facilitate more appropriate care, tertiary care institutions may benefit from system-wide care pathways to manage acute BP.

Retrospective study of peripheral facial paralysis in a tertiary hospital over 3 years.

PURPOSE: To identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP) at a tertiary care hospital. METHOD: This is a retrospective observational study of patients with PFP treated at a tertiary medical center. We gathered demographic data, etiology, laterality, recurrence, recovery, clinical ophthalmology, severity according to the House-Brackmann (HB) scale, electrophysiological tests, medical services attended, medical and surgical treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-three PFP were included, 135 (48%) were men and 148 (52%) were women p = 0.47). All patients had unilateral involvement. The mean age was 54 ± 20 years. The main etiology was idiopathic in 215 (76%) patients. Median recovery time was 7 weeks. Recovery was complete in 190 (67%) patients. One hundred and seventy (84%) patients with idiopathic PFP had complete recovery, versus 30 (16%) patients with non-idiopathic PFP (p < 0.01). The 84% of patients with HB grade II, recovered completely, while with HB grade VI only 17% recovered (p = 0.003). Two hundred and twenty-nine patients (81%) had lagophthalmos. The majority received ocular surface care treatment in 271 (96%) patients and of these 249 (88%) patients received oral corticosteroid therapy. Thirteen patients (5%) required ophthalmologic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PFP affects all age ranges, without predilection for sex and unilateral. Its main cause is idiopathic. Recovery is complete in most cases, being more favorable in mild and idiopathic affections. Most only require medical treatment.

Delayed onset peripheral facial nerve palsy after dental extraction: a case report and literature review.

Peripheral facial nerve palsy (PFP) is a rare occurrence after dental extraction. Early onset PFP after the procedure can be caused by trauma and/or local anesthesia, whereas delayed onset PFP has more speculative etiologies. The latter has a certain affiliation to Bell's palsy and is therefore primarily treated with corticosteroids, and long-term follow-up is often warranted. This article reports a unique case of a 30-year-old woman developing a delayed onset right-sided PFP after local intraoral anesthetic injection for molar extraction. Facial nerve injury was identified with signs of denervation and neuritis and the patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, corticosteroids, vitamin B supplements, and mime therapy. After 9 months, the patient showed an improvement of the facial muscle activity and went from a grade IV to a grade III on the House-Brackmann grading scale.

Comparing the Use of High-Dose to Standard-Dose Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Bell's Palsy in Adults-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Bell's palsy is typically treated with oral corticosteroids (40-60 mg daily). Concomitant antivirals are currently not recommended. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect of high-dose versus standard-dose corticosteroids, without antivirals, in the management of Bell's palsy. DATABASES REVIEWED: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing high-dose (≥80 mg) or standard-dose (40-60 mg) corticosteroid therapy for Bell's palsy were included. Exclusion criteria were coexisting antiviral treatment, nonoral drug delivery, and facial palsy due to other causes. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. A weighted estimate of treatment effects across trials as odds ratios (OR) using a Mantel-Haenzel random-effects model was calculated. RESULTS: Three articles were included in the analysis, representing 485 patients. There was a significant decrease in nonrecovery with high-dose, compared with standard-dose, corticosteroids at 6 months follow-up (OR = 0.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-0.56, p = 0.004). Overall adverse events were 5.8% (n = 28), all reported in one study in the high-dose group (transient elevated liver enzymes and fecal occult blood). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows a favorable effect of high-dose corticosteroid in the treatment of Bell's palsy. It is the first to evaluate this effect without the use of antivirals in keeping with current treatment recommendations. As all included studies had a serious risk of bias, future research should focus on larger trials with more robust methodology. This will allow for more up-to-date and large-scale analyses where more valid conclusions can be drawn that may potentially influence treatment protocols.

Facial Nerve Paralysis and COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Several cases of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) post-COVID-19 infection have been reported with varying presentations and management. This study aims to identify FNP clinical characteristics and recovery outcomes among patients acutely infected with COVID-19. We hypothesize that FNP is a potentially unique sequalae associated with COVID-19 infections. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed-Medline, OVID Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to November 2021 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: This search identified 630 studies with 53 meeting inclusion criteria. This resulted in 72 patients, of which 30 (42%) were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Non-GBS patients were on average younger (36 vs. 53 years) and more likely to present with unilateral FNP (88%) compared to GBS patients who presented predominantly with bilateral FNP (74%). Among non-GBS patients, majority (70%) of FNP presented a median of 8 [IQR 10] days after the onset of initial COVID-19 symptom(s). Treatment for non-GBS patients consisted of steroids (60%), antivirals (29%), antibiotics (21%), and no treatment (21%). Complete FNP recovery in non-GBS patients was achieved in 67% patients within a median of 11 [IQR 24] days. CONCLUSION: FNP is a possible presentation post COVID-19 infections, associated with both GBS and non-GBS patients. Although no causation can be assumed, the clinical course of isolated FNP associated with COVID-19 raises the possibility of a unique presentation differing from Bell's palsy, seen with higher proportion of patients developing bilateral FNP and a shorter duration to complete recovery. Laryngoscope, 133:1007-1013, 2023.

Systemic Steroids for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Disorders: An Evidence-Based Primer for Clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: To offer pragmatic, evidence-informed guidance on the use of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) for common otolaryngologic disorders. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guidelines. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive search of published literature through November 2021 was conducted on the efficacy of SCS, alone or in combination with other treatments, for managing disorders in otolaryngology and the subdisciplines. Clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials, when available, were preferentially retrieved. Interventions and outcomes of SCS use were compiled to generate summary tables and narrative synthesis of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on the effectiveness of SCS varies widely across otolaryngology disorders. High-level evidence supports SCS use for Bell's palsy, sinonasal polyposis, and lower airway disease. Conversely, evidence is weak or absent for upper respiratory tract infection, eustachian tube dysfunction, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, or nonallergic rhinitis. Evidence is indeterminate for acute laryngitis, acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, angioedema, chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps, Ménière's disease, postviral olfactory loss, postoperative nerve paresis/paralysis, facial pain, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians should bring an evidence-informed lens to SCS prescribing to best counsel patients regarding the risks, anticipated benefits, and limited data on long-term effects. Alternate routes of corticosteroid administration-such as sprays, drops, inhalers, and intralesional injections-may be preferable for many disorders, particularly those that are self-limited or require a prolonged duration of therapy. Prudent use of SCS reduces the risk of medication-related adverse effects. Clinicians who are conversant with high-level evidence can achieve optimal outcomes and stewardship when prescribing SCS.

Effects of Surgical Timing of Facial Nerve Decompression for Patients With Severe Bell's Palsy.

Context: Bell's palsy is a form of idiopathic, facial nerve palsy. Initial treatment includes the use of oral corticosteroids and/or antiviral agents, but facial paralysis may persist. Some surgeons suggest that surgical decompression of the facial nerve can be a beneficial, but the optimal surgical approach, extent of nerve decompression, and timing of surgery remain unclear. Objective: This study intended to evaluate the efficacy of delayed, facial nerve decompression for severe Bell's palsy (BP) and to explore the relationship of opportunity timing for operations, with postoperative recovery for facial nerve function. Design: The research team performed a retrospective study. Setting: The study took place at Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University in Beijing, China. Participants: Participants were 45 patients who had been diagnosed with BP between 2015 and 2021 and who had undergone facial nerve decompression using the transmastoid approach, between 30 and 180 days after the onset of BP. According to the operation's timing, the research team divided the participants into three groups, consisting of participants who underwent surgery: (1) at 30-60-days after BP onset-19 participants, (2) at 61-90 days after BP onset-18 participants, and (3) at more than 90 days after BP onset-8 participants. Outcome Measures: The research team: (1) analyzed participants' demographic and preoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics, (2) compared the surgical outcomes with participants' House-Brackmann (HB) scales, and (3) analyzed the factors affecting the recovery of facial nerve function using logistic regression. Results: Decompression surgery was effective for 29 participants (64.4%), with similar rates for participants who underwent surgery after 30-60 days (73.7%) and 61-90 days (77.8%), but the surgery' success was significantly higher for those groups than for participants who underwent surgery after >90 days (12.5%), with P = .008 and P = .003, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that disease duration was the only factor significantly associated with the effectiveness of surgery (odds ratio = 120.337; 95% confidence interval 2.997-4832.267, P = .011). Conclusions: For patients with severe Bell's palsy with ineffective conservative treatment, surgery performed 30 to 90 days after the onset of paralysis can have therapeutic benefits, whereas surgery performed after 3 months is relatively ineffective.