Initial Treatment and Referral Patterns for Acute Facial Palsy: Insights From Emergency Department Practices.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate variations in Bell's Palsy treatment and referrals within the Emergency Department (ED), with a focus on sociodemographic and provider-related factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort review was performed including patients with a new diagnosis of Bell's Palsy or acute facial paralysis treated at a single, tertiary academic ED between 2017 and 2024. Management practices, including the use of steroids, antivirals, imaging, specialty consultations, and referrals, were evaluated across sociodemographic variables and provider types. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify differences in management practices.

Results

The final cohort comprised 887 patients. Of these, 82.1% received steroids, 57.7% received antivirals, and 57.3% under

SUBMITTER: Little CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12645349 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature