Medium term outcome in Bell's palsy in children

Abstract

Objective: Bell's palsy is a non-life threatening disorder with important functional and psychosocial effects. While recent research has shown significant benefit from treatment with steroids in adults, there have been no conclusive studies demonstrating benefit in children. This study set out to explore the medium term resolution of symptoms in Bell's palsy presenting to the emergency department (ED). Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of children attending an Irish paediatric ED with a diagnosis of Bell's palsy. Patients were identified via the ED database. The primary outcome measure was resolution at follow-up call (6-18 months after presentation). Secondary outc..