Idiopathic facial nerve palsy.

Paralysis of the face is the commonest peripheral neuropathy, but in the majority of cases the cause remains obscure. The aetiology and management of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) with special reference to experience at the Facial Nerve Clinic of Groote Schuur Hospital are discussed. With reservations, treatment with prednisolone in the very early stages is justified and recommended. Although it is argued that the management of this disorder does not require the special skills of the otologic surgeon, warning is made of the need for caution, especially as regards those patients whose symptom pattern and neurological behaviour are not typical of Bell's palsy.