Facial nerve palsy

[Dorothey Allen]

Facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) palsy is often idiopathic (formerly called Bell palsy). Idiopathic facial nerve palsy is sudden, unilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy. Symptoms of facial nerve palsy are hemifacial paresis of the upper and lower face. Tests (eg, chest x-ray, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] level, tests for Lyme disease, serum glucose) are done to diagnose treatable causes. Treatment may include lubrication of the eye, intermittent use of an eye patch, and, for idiopathic facial nerve palsy, corticosteroids.
(See also Overview of Neuro-ophthalmologic and Cranial Nerve Disorders.)