Bell’s palsy among infants - Our experiences in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Objective: To know and standardize the clinical diagnosis and management of Bell’s palsy among infants from a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India. Methods: In this prospective study, we have documented detail clinical manifestation and management of infants of Bell’s palsy from the pediatric age group. When an infant presents with facial nerve paralysis, a full clinical history and detailed examination were recommended for accurate diagnosis. Simultaneously, the parents were reassured, and the prognosis was explained to the parents. Oral steroids along with physiotherapy were started in the outdoor basis. Results: We diagnosed six infants of Bell’s palsy in the age group of 5 months to 12 months. Among them, 4 females and rest 2 were males. These infants showed improvement with complete recovery in 83% of cases within 3 weeks, whereas partial recovery was seen in rest. Conclusion: In this study, we find out that oral steroids along with physiotherapy and eye care are effective for Bell’s palsy in infants.