Electrophsiological study in the prognosis of Bell palsy

AIM:To estimate the prognosis of Bell palsy,METHODS:Blink relex (BR),electromyography(EMG),motor latency(ML) and amplitude (AMP) of facial nerve were performed in 42 patients with Bell‘‘‘‘s palsy.The patients were followed about half a year.RESULTS:(1) When 1 of the 3R waves related with the ill side existed or appeared in 3 weeks after onset,97% patients could recover completely.THe recovery time was realted to the time of the occurrence of R wave.(2) When 1 of the 3R waves appeared in the 4th week.60% patients could recover completely,When none of the 3 wasves appeared after the 4th week,100% patients could not recover completely.EMG showed spontaneous activities in 3 of the 6 patients in the 4th week.(3) Motor latency and amplitude of facial nerve were examined when the illness stopped developing.All patients had normal lalencies,5 patinets‘‘‘‘ amplitudes reduced more than 90%.3 of the 5 patients did not appear the related R waves after the 4th week.CONCLUSION:BR might provide the early sign of good prognosis of Bell‘‘‘‘s palsy ,BR together with EMG and ML and AMP of facial nerve might provide the later sign of poor prognosis.

Electrophsiological study in the prognosis of Bell palsy