Bells Palsy
Facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) palsy, caused by herpes virus.
SX â unilateral paralysis of facial nerve, pain behind the ear, inability to wrinkle the forehead, blink or grimace.
PE â close eyes, smile.
Next Steps
DX â CSF, MRI (if nec).
Health Tips
TX â Eye drops (refresh tears). Prednisone 80mg QD x 3 days, 60mg QD x 3 days, 40mg QD x 3 days, 20mg QD x 3 days. Acyclovir 400mg 5x/day x 10 days, OR valacyclovir 1 g po tid for 7 to 10 days, OR famciclovir 500 mg po tid for 5 to 10 days.