Time course and prognostic value of neurophysiological examination methods in idiopathic facial palsy (Bell's palsy)

Methods: Between January 2000 and March 2004, 173 patients with idiopathic facial palsy (IFP) were admitted to the Department of Neurology. The following examinations were performed during the first, second and third week and the third month: grade of palsy, blink reflex (BR), electromyography (EMG) of orbicularis oculi muscle and electroneurography (ENG) of frontal, ocular and oral branch. The aim of this study was to find out at which time these examinations were useful for therapeutic decision-making and establishment of prognosis. Results: The EMG revealed that 16.98% of patients suffered from temporary loss…