Etiological and epidemiological factors in facial palsy

Abstract

The present study is an analysis of 243 patients with facial palsy referred to St. Luke's Hospital Malta during the six year period extending from October 1965 to October 1971. The vast majority of the patients' records collected were from the Medical, Pediatric, Orthopedic, E.N.T. and Physiotherapy Departments. The records were analysed with special reference to: onset of symptoms, age, sex, side of palsy, date of referral to hospital, town of origin and referring doctor. A history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, previous occurrences of facial palsy and any other relevant illness were also recorded. The sex distribution was also compared with that in other series because of the recent Egyptian reports of facial palsy developing more often in females. The age groups of the Maltese patients were also analysed and compared with those in some other studies. Following this study, it was concluded that probably there were no significant geographical variations. In the older age groups, however, atherosclerosis, diabetes and hypertension are postulated as aggravating factors. Underlying diabetes and hypertension should, therefore, be excluded in patients with Bell's Palsy, all the more so, because of the increased risks, if such patients are treated with steroids.