Characteristics of facial neuropathy (Bell’s palsy) therapy in comorbid conditions

G.V. Alekseyevich¹, G.Yu. Alekseyevich^2,3, N.V. Isaeva^2,3

¹"Arnica" Family Clinic LLC, Krasnoyarsk

²Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Krasnoyarsk

³Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk

The prevalence of facial neuropathy (FN) (Bell’s palsy, facial nerve palsy) ranges from 20 to 30 people per 100 thousand populations, and among mononeuropathies it ranks 2nd in incidence. In 75% of cases, FN is idiopathic. In 25%, FN is due to secondary causes. In some cases, FN is a component of Ramsay Hunt syndrome (multiple neuropathy of cranial nerves during ophthalmic zoster). The review examines modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of FN from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. The authors draw attention on the fact that with an obvious picture of FN, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the patient, since prosoparesis can be only one of the another life-threatening disease manifestations. In all cases of the idiopathic FN, hormonal therapy with the corticosteroid group should be prescribed. If a viral infection is suspected, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir should be added. The prescription of non-drug methods such as reflexology, physiotherapy, facial gymnastics did not show their benefit in the recovery rate, however, they did not cause deterioration in the condition. The efficacy of including anticholinesterase drugs, B vitamins, and electrotherapy in the therapy course is questionable. The use of these treatment methods can contribute to the development of complications.

Keywords: facial neuropathy, Bell’s palsy, facial nerve palsy, lagophthalmos, facial nerve, prosoparesis, complications.

For citation: Alekseyevich G.V., Alekseyevich G.Yu., Isaeva N.V. Characteristics of facial neuropathy (Bell’s palsy) therapy in comorbid conditions. RMJ. 2022;4:38–43.