Evoked electromyography in Bell's palsy: a clinically useful test?

One hundred and forty-four patients presenting with a Bell's palsy were seen at Sunnybrook Medical Centre, University of Toronto, between the years 1978 and 1985. Only patients with a complete paralysis and not treated with either steroids or surgical decompression of the facial nerve were included in the study. The results of electrical tests performed on days 8, 9 or 10 after the onset of paralysis in 23 patients were used to predict clinical recovery at 12 weeks, six months and 12 months. There was good statistical correlation for values of conduction latency and amplitude with good clinical recovery after 12 weeks (p = 0.01). Electrical tests could not be used to predict clinical recovery at six months and at 12 months. The rationale for any surgical intervention based on the results of electrical tests is questioned.