GP Neuro

Question 1

Define Bell’s palsy

Answer 1

Bell’s palsy is an acute, sudden-onset, unilateral facial palsy of probable viral aetiology

Question 2

Clinical features of Bell’s palsy

Answer 2

• It presents with a unilateral lower motor neurone facial nerve palsy
• FOREHEAD AFFECTED
• Keratoconjunctitivitis sicca (dry eye)

Question 3

Ix for Bell’s palsy

Answer 3

Clinical diagnosis (acute, unilateral facial palsy, with an otherwise normal physical examination)

Question 4

Management of Bell’s palsy

Answer 4

• Prednisolone (corticiosteroid)
• Lubricating eye drops

Prednisiolone prescription, either:
* 50mg for 10 days
* 60mg for 5 days followed by a 5-day reducing regime, dropping the dose by 10mg per day