Bell's palsy in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

During a 6-year period at the Neurology Clinic of King Fahd University Hospital, AI-Khobar in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, 123 patients [72 males, 51 females] with idiopathic facial paralysis [Bell's palsy] were seen. The peak frequency was in the third decade [32%]; 67% of the cases occurred during October to March [cold season]; 110 patients had single unilateral episodes, eight had an ipsilateral and one a contralateral recurrence. Recurrent episodes on both sides and simultaneous bilateral lesions were each observed in two cases. Although infrequent, the main identified associated clinical disorders or presumed predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pregnancy and a preceding history of an upper respiratory tract infection. The prognosis was relatively good and only 15% had a severe deficit 3 months after the onset of symptoms