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- Studies have shown that the natural history of Bell's Palsy without treatment is such that 85% show signs of recovery within 3 weeks of symptom onset, and 71% experience complete recovery.
- Of the remaining individuals who do not completely recover, 13% experience persistent mild sequelae and 16% have residual weakness, synkinesis, and/or contracture.
- Those with incomplete lesions (i.e. incomplete paralysis) are more likely to return to normal function (94%), while only 60% of those with clinically complete lesions return to normal function.
- Herpes zoster is associated with more severe paresis and a worse prognosis. When little to no recovery is seen within the first 21 days following symptom onset, the prognosis is less favorable.
References
- Jabor MA, Gianoli G. Management of Bell's Palsy. Journal of LA State Med Soc. 1996; 148(7): 279.
- Peitersen E. Bell's palsy: the spontaneous course of 2,500 peripheral facial nerve palsies of different etiologies. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 2002.