Bell's palsy; prognostic accuracy of case history, sialometry and taste impairment.

A prognostic test in cases of Bell's palsy must be accurate and applicable early in the course of the disease. The case history is examined in 239 patients with Bell's palsy. The prognostic value of the case history, taste impairment and sialometry is investigated in a series of untreated patients who were followed up for 12 months. Sialometry is advocated as a reliable progostic indicator in the individual patient if a strong stimulant is used. None of the other examined parameters discrimates between good and poor outcome with reasonable accuracy. A follow-up time of 12 months is advocated in determining the ultimate outcome of a Bell's palsy.