Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Bell’s Palsy and Its Correlation with Facial Nerve Enhancement on MRI

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammation and atherothrombosis in Bell’s palsy (BP) by using neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV), respectively, and to study their relations with the facial nerve enhancement on temporal gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (TGd-MRI).Study DesignCase control study.SettingTertiary health institution.Subjects and MethodsThis study was performed on 65 patients who were diagnosed with BP and a control group of 35 healthy individuals. The BP patients were also divided into 2 groups, those with facial nerve enhancement on TGd-MRI and those without enhancement. The NLR and MPV of each group were compared.ResultsThe NLRs of the BP patients were significantly higher than control group (P = .001). The NLRs of patients with facial nerve enhancement on TGd-MRI were significantly higher than patients without enhancement (P = .001). There was a positive and significant correlation between NLR and House-Brackmann (...