Peripheral facial palsy in children

The effectiveness of the acoustic stapedial reflex in predicting recovery of facial muscle function in Bell's palsy was studied. 41 patients with various degrees of facial paralysis were evaluated within the first week after onset of the palsy. 18 had only partial paralysis and had complete recovery of facial function, ragardless of the presence or absence of the acoustic reflex. Among the 23 with complete paralysis, the acoustic reflex was intact in three who went on to complete recovery. Among the 20 with complete paralysis who did not have the reflex, the recovery rate was only 55%. It is concluded that the presence of the stapedial reflex during the early stages of Bell's palsy implies partial paralysis and thus assures rapid, spontaneous recovery, regardless of the extent of the initial facial involvement.