Sub mandibular salivary gland scan: a prognostic indicator of Bell's palsy. A preliminary report.

Eighteen patients with early unilateral Bell's palsy had a sub-mandibular salivary gland scan. 99m Tc-pertechnetate was used. Alterations in the uptake of the radio-isotope in the salivary gland of the paralysed side were studied. Correlation between reduced uptake in the 2--4 days of the paralysis and the outcome of Bell's palsy was not conclusive. A greater number of patients must be studied.