"The primary purpose of this guideline is to improve the accuracy of diagnosis for Bell's palsy, to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with Bell's palsy, and to decrease harmful variations in the evaluation and management of Bell's palsy," said Reginald F. Baugh, MD, Chair of the Bell's palsy Guideline Panel.
Bell's palsy affects both men and women across a wide range of ages. The condition is characterized by facial paralysis and distortions that can appear as facial sagging, immobility, or contraction on the affected side. The condition occurs when the facial nerve is damaged by swelling or pressure, but the exact cause of Bell's palsy is unknown.
The clinical guideline for Bell's palsy was created by a panel that included otolaryngology -- head and neck surgeons, neurologists, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, neurotologists, otologists, emergency medicine and primary care professionals, nurses and physician assistants, and consumer advocates.
Journal Reference:
R. F. Baugh, G. J. Basura, L. E. Ishii, S. R. Schwartz, C. M. Drumheller, R. Burkholder, N. A. Deckard, C. Dawson, C. Driscoll, M. B. Gillespie, R. K. Gurgel, J. Halperin, A. N. Khalid, K. A. Kumar, A. Micco, D. Munsell, S. Rosenbaum, W. Vaughan. Clinical Practice Guideline: Bell's Palsy. Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, 2013; 149 (3 Suppl): S1 DOI: 10.1177/0194599813505967
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