Bell’s palsy: the current concepts of pathophysiology, management and prognosis

Bell’s palsy is a common disorder of the facial nerve in neurological and otological services. The definite cause and pathophysiology of the disorder are unsettled. Reactivation of Herpes simplex virus in the geniculate ganglion is a well known pathophysiological mechanism proposed. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of other possible causes of facial paralysis. Treatment with oral prednisolone is widely recommended. It usually poses a good prognosis for favorable recovery, however, some clinical factors influence the treatment outcome. Realization of its natural course and characteristic of response to treatment are the crucial strategies in management of Bell’s palsy.