Facial nerve paralysis

Preview

To identify the cause in a case of facial paralysis, the clinician must be able to make an accurate and complete assessment of the entire facial nerve, a skill that combines the art and the science of medicine. In part 1 of this two-part article on facial paralysis, Dr Olsen discusses the components of a thorough workup and describes the various causes and therapies for Bell's palsy, the most common type of facial paralysis. Part 2, on facial paralysis from causes other than Bell's palsy, will appear in the July issue.