scholarly journals Bell's palsy before Bell: Evert Jan Thomassen à Thuessink and idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (11) ◽  
pp. 1193-1198 ◽  
Author(s):  
R C van de Graaf ◽  
F F A IJpma ◽  
J-P A Nicolai ◽  
P M N Werker
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Peripheral Facial Paralysis ◽  
Exposure To Cold

AbstractBell's palsy is the eponym for idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. It is named after Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842), who, in the first half of the nineteenth century, discovered the function of the facial nerve and attracted the attention of the medical world to facial paralysis. Our knowledge of this condition before Bell's landmark publications is very limited and is based on just a few documents. In 1804 and 1805, Evert Jan Thomassen à Thuessink (1762–1832) published what appears to be the first known extensive study on idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. His description of this condition was quite accurate. He located several other early descriptions and concluded from this literature that, previously, the condition had usually been confused with other afflictions (such as ‘spasmus cynicus’, central facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia). According to Thomassen à Thuessink, idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia were related, being different expressions of the same condition. Thomassen à Thuessink believed that idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis was caused by ‘rheumatism’ or exposure to cold. Many aetiological theories have since been proposed. Despite this, the cold hypothesis persists even today.

Facial Nerve Paralysis Induced by Herpes Simplex Virus in Mice: An Animal Model of Acute and Transient Facial Paralysis

1995 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. 574-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiaki Sugita ◽  
Yasuo Fujiwara ◽  
Shingo Murakami ◽  
Yoshinari Hirata ◽  
Naoaki Yanagihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Facial Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Vacuolar Degeneration ◽  
Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Simplex Virus

We have been the first to succeed in producing an acute and transient facial paralysis simulating Bell's palsy, by inoculating herpes simplex virus into the auricles or tongues of mice. The KOS strain of the virus was injected into the auricle of 104 mice and the anterior two thirds of the tongue in 30 mice. Facial paralysis developed between 6 and 9 days after virus inoculation, continued for 3 to 7 days, and then recovered spontaneously. The animals were painlessly sacrificed between 6 and 20 days after inoculation for histopathologic and immunocytochemical study. Histopathologically, severe nerve swelling, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuolar degeneration were manifested in the affected facial nerve and nuclei. Herpes simplex virus antigens were also detected in the facial nerve, geniculate ganglion, and facial nerve nucleus. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of the facial paralysis are discussed in light of the histopathologic findings, in association with the causation of Bell's palsy.

scholarly journals Rehabilitation of a Patient with Bell’s Palsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 1551-1554
Author(s):  
Vrushali K. Athawale ◽  
Dushyant P. Bawiskar ◽  
Pratik Arun Phansopkar
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Nerve Palsy ◽  
Facial Nerve Palsy ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Facial Reanimation ◽  
Simplex Virus

Facial nerve palsy is the disease of cranial nerve. From the total number of cases, 60 to 75 % of Bell's palsy cases are idiopathic form of facial palsy. Facial nerve palsy results in weakness of facial muscles, atrophy, asymmetry of face and also disturbs the quality of life. Bell’s palsy occurs in every class of population affecting people of all the age groups but the most common age group affected is 15 - 50 years with equal sex prediliction accounting 11 - 40 cases per 100,000. If facial palsy is not treated properly then it may result in variety of complications like motor synkinesis, dysarthria, contractures of facial muscles, and crocodile tear. Currently facial paralysis treatment consists of combination of pharmacological therapy, facial neuromuscular re-entrainment physiotherapy or surgical intervention by static and dynamic facial reanimation techniques. Physiotherapy treatment is effective for treating facial paralysis with minimal complications and can be individualized. Bell's palsy is the idiopathic form of facial nerve palsy which accounts for 60 to 75 % of cases and male to female ratio is 1:3.1 The aetiology of facial paralysis is not yet thoroughly understood. Cases of varicella-zoster, mononucleosis, herpes simplex virus, mumps and measles have demonstrated good serology in several reports for their association but still stands unclear. 2 Peripheral facial nerve palsy may be idiopathic (primary cause) or Bell’s palsy (secondary). Causes of the secondary unilateral facial nerve palsy are diabetes, stroke, Hansen's disease, herpes simplex infection, birth injury, trauma, tumour, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and immune system disorders. Causes of the bilateral facial nerve palsy are leukemia, brainstem encephalitis, leprosy, and meningitis. The most prominent current theories of facial nerve paralysis pathophysiology include the reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection (HSV type 1). Current facial paralysis treatment consists of a combination of pharmacological therapy, facial neuromuscular re-entrainment physiotherapy or surgical intervention by dynamic and static facial reanimation techniques.7 This is a diagnosed case of right facial nerve palsy which was treated under physiotherapy department with proper rehabilitation protocol.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Study of Bell's Palsy in patients From Western Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad Koirala
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Lower Motor Neuron ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Early Recovery

 Background: Bell's palsy is defined as idiopathic, sudden onset, unilateral lower motor neuron facial paralysis. The etiology of Bell's palsy is unclear. It affects all age ranges with complete recovery in most cases. However, few patients are left with a considerable permanent functional deficit. The disease has variable progression ranging from few hours to days. Diagnosis is usually made when a patient presents with sudden onset unilateral lower motor neuron facial paralysis without an obvious cause. Different medical therapies such as steroids, antivirals, physiotherapy, acupuncture, etc. have been used to enhance the recovery of Bell's palsy. This study aims to find out the common age of presentation of people with Bell's palsy, and also to report their outcome with the use of steroids. Materials and methods: This study is a prospective observational study carried out in the department of ENT and Head and neck surgery at Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. Patients of all ages and both sex with the diagnosis of Bell's palsy meeting the inclusion criteria were studied from 1st Jan 2015 to 31st Dec 2018. Data were taken and analyzed with the help of SPSS software and results were published. Results: Out of 45 patients of Bell's palsy enrolled in the study, females outnumbered the males. Bell's palsy was more commonly seen in young adults There was a significant short-term improvement in Bell's palsy with the use of steroids (p=0.00001). There was no difference in early recovery after Bell's palsy regardless of the time of presentation within a week or age of the patient at presentation. Conclusion: Bell's palsy is more common in young adults. Steroids have a definite role in the short-term improvement of facial nerve function. People presenting within a week of facial nerve palsy can be treated with steroids. People of all ages can equally improve with steroid treatment.

FACIAL PARALYSIS IN CHILDREN

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1972 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-109
Author(s):  
John J. Manning ◽  
Kedar K. Adour
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Specific Therapy ◽  
Nerve Decompression ◽  
Facial Nerve Decompression

In any instance of facial paralysis in a child, an effort should be made to determine immediately whether it is caused by a specific, treatable entity. Of 61 cases of facial paralysis in children seen in a Facial Paralysis Clinic, 38% were not Bell's palsy. Eight of the 61 children had disease amenable to specific therapy available today. Experience with 504 patients of all age groups seen within 4 years has led the authors to abandon facial nerve decompression in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Topodiagnosis of Lesions in Bell's Palsy

1988 ◽  
Vol 97 (6_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 14-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoaki Yanagihara ◽  
Shinji Kitani ◽  
Kiyofumi Gyo
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
The Other ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Subacute Stage ◽  
Stapedial Reflex ◽  
Combined Measurements

Combined measurements of reflexive lacrimation, stapedial reflex, and electrically induced taste give an indication of the site and extent of infratemporal lesions of the facial nerve. Using refined test batteries, we established the presence of intratemporal lesions in Bell's palsy in 80 patients with facial paralysis. In the acute stage of Bell's palsy, suprastapedial lesions predominated and the occurrence of a suprageniculate lesion was not rare. In the subacute stage, the lesions proximal to the stapedial nerve tended to subside and infrastapedial lesions increased. In 60% of 53 patients with denervation verified by electrodiagnostic examinations, the suprastapedial lesion was responsible for degeneration of the nerve. In the other 40%, degeneration involved the infrastapedial segment.

scholarly journals Lockdown-related idiopathic facial paralysis: illustration of an indirect victim of the COVID-19 pandemic?

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Margaux Fricain ◽  
Nathan Moreau
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Old French ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Tension Type Headache ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Type Headache ◽  
Severe Anxiety ◽  
Hsv 1

Introduction: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are numerous reports of SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms in many medical subspecialties. Unfortunately, there seems to be little focus on indirect victims of COVID-19, such as diseases/ailments secondary to COVID-19-related lockdown in relevant countries. Observation: We report a case of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) that occurred in an otherwise-healthy 49-year-old French chef during nationwide lockdown, possibly fostered by severe concerns regarding his professional prospects. Other manifestations of severe anxiety were also observed such as tension-type headache and psoriasis outbreaks. Prednisone and valaciclovir were initiated, in association with simple counselling. Commentary and conclusion: As HSV-1 reactivation in the facial nerve is suspected in the pathophysiology of idiopathic facial paralysis, this case could constitute an example of lockdown-related disease and an illustration of indirect manifestations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such indirect diseases are likely to increase as the pandemic continues to take its toll both medically and socio-economically.

The Bicentenary of Bell’s Description of the Neuroanatomical Basis of Facial Paralysis: Historical Remarks

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110321
Author(s):  
Giovanna Cantarella ◽  
Riccardo F. Mazzola
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expression ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Royal Society ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Peripheral Facial Paralysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Historical Remarks

Charles Bell was a talented and versatile Scottish anatomist, neurophysiologist, artist, and surgeon. On July 12, 1821, he reported his studies regarding facial innervation in the essay “On the Nerves,” read before the Royal Society in London. Since then, idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis has been named “Bell’s palsy.” He was the first author to describe the neuroanatomical basis of facial paralysis, in an essay enriched by beautifully self-made illustrations. The aim of this article is to trace the history of Bell’s description of the neuroanatomy of the facial nerve, reexamining his 1821 article, in which he stated that the lower facial expression muscles were dually innervated by both the fifth and seventh cranial nerves. In 1829, he rectified this conclusion, recognizing the exclusive role of the facial nerve, which he defined as the “respiratory nerve.” We offer a tribute to this polymath scientist on the bicentenary of his 1821 publication.

Total Facial Nerve Decompression for Recurrent Facial Paralysis: An Update

1989 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm D. Graham ◽  
Jack M. Kartush
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Rare Disorder ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Nerve Decompression ◽  
The Past ◽  
Salutary Effect ◽  
Facial Edema ◽  
Facial Nerve Decompression

Recurrent facial paralysis (RFP) is a rare disorder that in some individuals may lead to worsening sequelae. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a variant of RFP that is associated with recurrent facial edema. In the past, decompression of the mastoid segment of the facial nerve has not been successful in preventing recurrences. In 1981 we began performing total facial nerve decompression for RFP and in 1986 reported its efficacy in one patient with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and in another in whom both nerves were decompressed for alternating bilateral paralysis. An additional four cases with 3 to 8 years of followup demonstrate no recurrences in any patient. Total facial nerve decompression for RFP in selected patients appears efficacious in preventing recurrences. Decompression will remain investigational until further followup is obtained. Furthermore, its salutary effect should not be extrapolated to Bell's palsy without further Study.

scholarly journals Bilateral Facial Nerve (Bell’s) Palsy in a 24-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-62
Author(s):  
Camille Tolentino ◽  
Emmanuel Tadeus Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Rheumatic Fever ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Blink Reflex ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Facial Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Nerve Paralysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of acute bilateral facial nerve palsy in a 24-year-old woman and to present the differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, management and prognosis Methods: Design: Case study Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital Patient: One (1) Result: A 24-year-old woman with fever, joint pains, cough, chest pain, difficulty ambulating and progressive facial muscle weakness was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Bilateral facial nerve paralysis was noted, and Electromyography-Nerve Conduction Velocity (EMG-NCV) testing with special facial nerve study revealed abnormal facial nerve and blink reflex studies while EMG-NCV of the upper and lower limbs were normal. Audiometry and MRI of the brain and facial nerve were normal while Schirmer’s Test showed decreased tearing in both eyes. The rheumatic fever resolved within 5 days of antibiotics, while Prednisone and physiotherapy resulted in improvement of facial paralysis from House Brackmann V to House Brackmann II-III over a period of 6 months. Conclusion: Idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell’s Palsy is the most common cause of acute unilateral facial paralysis while bilateral facial nerve paralysis is a rare condition. Patients with facial palsy should undergo appropriate diagnostics to determine the underlying condition and to facilitate prompt management. Keywords: facial paralysis, idiopathic; Bell’s palsy

scholarly journals Bell’s Palsy: A Prospective Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ahmed Hassan Kamil Mustafa ◽  
Ahmed Mohammed Suleiman
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Facial Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Exposure To Cold ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background. Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic facial nerve paralysis of sudden onset. It is the most common cause of lower motor neuron facial nerve paralysis with an annual incidence of 15–30 per 100,000 population. The objective of this work is to study the grade of the attack and the associated symptoms of Bell’s palsy in a group of Sudanese patients. The study type is an analytical prospective-based study. The study was carried out at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital, Khartoum General Teaching Hospital. In this prospective of the study, 48 patients with Bell’s palsy were evaluated using the House–Brackman scale in relation to the above mentioned variables. Results. The study showed 18 patients (37.5%) were grade II, and 24 patients (50%) had postauricular pain before and during the attack. By the end of the study period, 40 patients recovered completely (83.3%), and 8 (16.7%) patients did not recover completely, 5 (10.4%) patients complained of hearing changes during the attack, and 13 (27.1) patients gave a history of exposure to cold before the attack. Conclusion. Based on our prospective study, we conclude that the percentage of complete recovery decreases with increased severity of the attack at onset. We failed to demonstrate any relation between postauricular pain and prognosis of Bell’s palsy. The percentage of taste changes in our study is low in comparison with those obtained in the literature. In addition, all the patients showed complete regain of taste sensation. The percentage of patients with hearing changes in our study is high compared with some studies. In literature, we have no explanation for that, and it may be related to severity of the attack. In the present study, we found a strong association between exposure to cold and development of Bell’s palsy. As the number of patients in our study is small and there is a limited period of follow-up, the study may not reflect the real situation; therefore, we need a large population-based study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document