High‐resolution ultrasound in the evaluation and prognosis of Bell’s palsy

Abstract

This first study utilizing US in Bell's palsy highlights its role in outcome prediction and contributes to our understanding of recovery processes in this common neurological disorder.

Prognostic Factors in Herpes Zoster Oticus (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome)

“…The change in HB grade was examined for any relationship with time and symptom factors, in the same manner as was done by Lo et al (21).…”

Imaging the Facial Nerve: A Contemporary Review

“…In this prospective, controlled study, patients with Bell's palsy, ultrasound was performed 2–7 days after the onset of paralysis using a General Electric Logiq 7 Pro with a 5 to 10 MHz linear array transducer [1]. Facial nerve diameter was measured proximally at the stylomastoid foramen, distally just proximal to the pes anserinus, and midway between these two points.…”

“…MRI imaging is indicated later in the course of Bell's palsy if full recovery of facial function does not occur within 9 months of onset [21]. Recently, ultrasound has been utilized to predict outcomes in Bell's palsy, as discussed above [1]. …”

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for identifying soft tissue abnormalities around the facial nerve, as seen in inflammatory disorders, neoplasms, and hemifacial spasm. Facial nerve ultrasound has been used in a recent study to predict functional outcomes in Bell's palsy [1]. Diffusion tensor (DT) tractography, which uses MRI to make three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the facial nerve, has recently been developed.…”

Recent progress in facial paralysis: advances and obstacles

“…Lo et al [10] performed a prospective study of the effectiveness of high-resolution ultrasound for prognostication of recovery in Bell's palsy. They found that, although facial nerve diameter as measured on ultrasound did not correlate with clinical and neurophysiologic indicators at initial presentation, it correlated better than other measures for degree of paralysis at 3 months.…”