ABSTRACT
A prospective study was carried out at Prince Rashid Ben Al- Hassan Military Hospital in north of Jordan to assess the incidence and the clinical profile of idiopathic facial nerve paralysis. [Bell's palsy] over the period of two years. Eighty-six patients, inhabitants of Irbid Governorate, 40 males and 46 females, in whom the diagnosis of Bell's palsy was established constituted the study population. Basic data related to the age, sex, time of onset and side of paralysis. Associated conditions and duration of clinical improvement were recorded. The mean age of the patients was 32 years, females were affected more than males. There was also an approximately equal side distribution Right: Left 39:47. Eleven patients [12.7%] had history of recurrence of Bell's palsy, ipsilateral in six patients, contralateral in three and undetermined in two. The mean duration after which clinical improvement occurred was 11 weeks. Complete improvement occurred in 84.8% and no improvement in 2.3%. 67% of cases occurred in the period between October to April [cold season] with a peak frequency during January [16.2%]. Identified associated clinical disorders or presumed predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus [5.8%], history of exposure to cold [44/%], and history of upper respiratory tract infection [5.8%]. Bell's palsy is not an infrequent clinical disorder. The prognosis is relatively good and very few patients are left with severe deficit