Term
| What is Bell's Palsy? Symptoms? |
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Definition
Lower motor neuron paralysis of the facial nerve, often due to herpes simplex virus-1 infection.
Inflammation and Edema, facial weakness, ear pain, altered taste |
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Term
What drug has been associated with improved rates of full recovery, as well as time to complete recovery in Bell's Palsy?
After how many days should this treatment not be given as there is no evidence to support its use? |
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Definition
Corticosteroids - prednisone
Only give within 7 days of paralysis. > 7 days, there is no evidence |
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Term
| Adverse effects of corticosteroids |
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Definition
| GI upset, hyperglycemia, sodium and fluid retention, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia |
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Term
What antivirals should be given in Bell's Palsy?
Should they be given monotherapy? |
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Definition
| Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and valacyclovir are beneficial WITH corticosteroids. There is no benefit to their use ALONE. DO NOT GIVE MONOTHERAPY. |
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Term
| Contraindications to corticosteroid use? |
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Definition
| Diabetes (hyperglycemia), peptic ulcer disease (GI upset) |
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