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Facial Plast Surg 2015; 31(02): 093-102
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1549040
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Contemporary Management of Bell Palsy

Nate Jowett
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Tessa A. Hadlock
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
08 May 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Bell palsy (BP) is the most common diagnosis in acute and chronic facial palsy. Although most patients fully recover, more than one-quarter will have residual dysfunction. Of these, nearly half will demonstrate severe limitations in facial expression. Though significant attention has been paid to acute management and prognosis, a paucity of literature exists addressing management of the long-term sequelae of BP. This article describes contemporary use of physical therapy, injectables, and static and dynamic surgical procedures in facial reanimation of acute and chronic BP.

Keywords

Bell palsy - facial reanimation - synkinesis - facial paralysis - facial palsy
 

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