Key Points
Î Bell's palsy is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paresis/
paralysis, and the most common acute mononeuropathy.
Î Patients may have impaired eye closure which may lead to eye injury.
Î Not all patients with facial paresis/paralysis have Bell's palsy. Alternative
underlying etiologies must be considered.
Figure 1. Bell's Palsy
Unable to raise eyebrow
and wrinkle forehead
Drooping eyelid, inability
to close eye
Drooping corner of mouth, dry
mouth, impaired taste
