29
Views
20
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Discriminant analysis in predicting prognosis of bell's palsy

, , &
Pages 276-280 | Published online: 08 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

A prospective study was carried out to objectively quantificate the most important predictive factors in idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy). Stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to data prospectively obtained from 570 patients with Bell's palsy treated at the ENT Department of La Paz Hospital between January 1983 and January 1986. Due to statistical requirements the final number of patients included for discriminant analysis was 140. In all, 37 variables were studied in each patient. With data obtained from these variables a linear discriminant function was obtained, with an overall accuracy of 95%. The rate of correct prediction is 95.8% for patients with an expected complete facial recovery, and 90.9% for the group of patients with an expected recovery of less than 100%. The 8 predictor variables selected are: ENoG amplitude, stapedius reflex, familial incidence, Hilger test, maximum degree of the palsy, recurrent facial paralysis, facial pain, and hyperacusis. The discriminant function obtained is an easily adaptable method for routine practice in order to objectively assess the prognosis of patients with Bell's palsy.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.