La bocca storta apre ai timori

If a patient presents with the paralysis of the facial muscles, the most frequent diagnosis is Bell's palsy, also known as idiopathic paralysis of the VII cranial nerve. Before confirming this diagnosis, though, one must exclude other rarer conditions through a complete neurologic examination and through the execution of some hematochemical tests. Lyme disease, for example, often presents with multiple deficiencies of the cranial nerves and can be successfully treated with antibiotics. On the other hand, if one suspects the presence of a demyelinating, neoplastic or inflammatory condition underlying the facial paralysis, more sophisticated investigation is recommended. In case the diagnosis of Bell's idiopathic palsy is confirmed, the patient often will need no treatment, as the condition resolves on its own. Recovery can be speeded by the administration of corticosteroids.