A syndrome characterized by the acute onset of unilateral FACIAL PARALYSIS which progresses over a 2-5 day period. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle and resulting incomplete eye closure may be associated with corneal injury. Pain behind the ear often precedes the onset of paralysis. This condition may be associated with HERPESVIRUS 1, HUMAN infection of the facial nerve. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1376)
Also Known As:
Bell's Palsy; Acute Idiopathic Facial Neuropathy; Acute Inflammatory Facial Neuropathy; Facial Neuropathy, Idiopathic Acute; Idiopathic Acute Facial Neuropathy; Inflammatory Facial Neuropathy, Acute; Bell Palsies; Bell's Palsies; Bells Palsy; Facial Paralyses, Herpetic; Facial Paralyses, Idiopathic; Facial Paralysis, Herpetic; Herpetic Facial Paralyses; Idiopathic Facial Paralyses; Idiopathic Facial Paralysis; Palsies, Bell; Palsies, Bell's; Palsy, Bell; Palsy, Bell's; Paralyses, Herpetic Facial; Paralyses, Idiopathic Facial; Paralysis, Herpetic Facial; Paralysis, Idiopathic Facial; Facial Neuropathy, Inflammatory, Acute; Facial Paralysis, Idiopathic; Herpetic Facial Paralysis