Assessment and management of idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy: comparison of Nova Scotia family physicians and otolaryngologists.

Acute idiopathic facial paralysis, or Bell's palsy, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. The present study compares knowledge of Bell's palsy assessment and management between a group of family physicians and otolaryngologists practising in Nova Scotia. Respondents completed a questionnaire and statistical analyses were performed on selected data. There were similarities regarding Bell's palsy assessment and management, but there were notable differences in the ability to distinguish Bell's palsy on the basis of symptomatic complaints, specific counselling strategies, length of patient follow-up, and use of appropriate diagnostic tests. This needs assessment suggests several areas where a family physician continuing medical education program on management of acute facial paralysis may be beneficial.