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Ocular findings in Bell's palsy.

Abstract

Thirty-three patients with Bell's palsy underwent ophthalmic examination, including Schirmer testing, corneal sensitivity measurement, and electromyography. Sixteen patients returned for follow-up after one year. Sixty-one percent of the patients initially showed punctate fluorescein staining of the inferior cornea. Electromyographic studies demonstrate a high correlation between orbicularis function and the presence of corneal epithelial staining. Our results demonstrate a high frequency of minor corneal involvement in the acute phase of Bell's palsy. Healing of the epithelial defects follows improvement in orbicularis function.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Wepman B
Baum J L

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