| Popis: |
Bell’s palsy is an acute, ipsilateral, facial nerve (CN VII) paralysis of unknown etiology that results in weakness of the platysma and muscles of facial expression. Peripheral facial nerve palsy is the commonest cranial nerve motor neuropathy. The causes range from cerebrovascular accident to iatrogenic damage. Bell’s palsy is currently considered the leading disorder affecting the facial nerve. The literature is replete with theories of its etiology, but the reactivation of herpes simplex virus isoform 1 (HSV-1) and/or herpes zoster virus (HZV) from the geniculate ganglia is now the most strongly suspected cause. Despite the advancements in neuroimaging techniques, the diagnosis of Bell’s palsy remains one of exclusion. In addition, most patients with Bell’s palsy recover spontaneously within 3 weeks. |
