[Prognostic value of the stapedius muscle and electroneurography in facial paralysis a frigore, or Bell's palsy].

A retrospective study was made of 170 patients diagnosed as Bell's palsy in a 7-year period (August 1990 to April 1997). We evaluated two prognostic factors: stapedial reflex and electroneurography findings. The condition was classified by nerve affection into three types: less than 10%, 10 to 30%, and over 30%. The evolution of our patients was: complete recovery in 86.4%, slight impairment in 2.9%, major impairment in 3.5%, and unknown in 7%. The stapedial reflex was present in 87 patients, absent then present in 26 patients, and absent in 5 patients. Electroneurography revealed less than 10% nerve involvement in 5 patients, 10-30% in 18 patients, and over 30% in 63 patients.