Bell's Palsy

Exam Cram

• Unilateral paralysis of the face

• Lower motor neuron lesion to facial nerve (unilaterally)

• Management: steroids, high dose

Further Notes

Causes:

1. Varizella zoster virus as part of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome- vesicles present

2. Lyme disease

Differentials: 

1. Stroke

Key feature for determining stroke vs bell's palsy: forehead sparing in strokes. 

Bell's palsy is a lower motor neuron lesions to the facial nerve (cranial nerve 7). A central, upper motor neuron, lesion would cause weakness to the maxillary and mandibular regions, sparing the forehead.

Created in 2024. Produced off FOAM basis: free, open access, medical education. This is not clinical advice, education for multiple choice questions only! Produced to the best of the author's ability. Any issues please contact contact: MunroMedics@gmail.com