Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic lower motor neurone palsy of the facial nerve. It is the most common cause of rapid-onset unilateral facial weakness, affecting approximately 1 in 5000 patients in the UK each year. A careful history and examination can usually exclude other causes of facial nerve paralysis. Seventy-one percent of affected patients regain full neurological function within a year. Timely treatment with prednisolone increases the likelihood of complete recovery. Ocular complications may occur if the patient cannot completely close the affected eye. This may be prevented by regular use of lubricants. Patients who do not recover nerve function may benefit from surgery to improve facial function and appearance.
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