Biography
Biography: Kalpesh Vakharia,
Abstract
Bell's palsy is unilateral, acute onset facial paralysis that is a common condition. One in every 65 people experiences Bell's palsy in the course of their lifetime. The majority of patients afflicted with this idiopathic disorder recover facial function. Initial treatment involves oral corticosteroids, possible antiviral drugs, and protection of the eye from desiccation. A small subset of patients may be left with incomplete recovery, synkinesis, facial contracture, or hemifacial spasm. A combination of medical and surgical treatment options exist to treat the long-term sequelae of Bell's palsy. Bell’s palsy is a clinical diagnosis and is largely one of exclusion. Patients present with a sudden onset of facial weakness that tends to be unilateral and rapidly progressive. The facial weakness tends to reach its peak within 72 hours. Patients may also have accompanied hyperacusis, change in facial sensation, neck or periauricular pain, or dysgeusia.