Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‎ in Bell’s palsy

Abstract EN

We studied a series of 21 Bell’s palsy patients with Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gad.MRI), 15 in the subacute and 6 in the chronic stage.

The purpose of this study was to report our findings, discuss their significance, and evaluate the role of MRI in Bell’s palsy.

Most of our cases demonstrated diffuse facial nerve enhancement, usually in the distal internal auditory canal and labyrinthine/geniculate segments.

Other segments demonstrated enhancement less often.

No difference was noticed in the pattern of enhancement between the acute and chronic stages.

Enhancement occurred regardless of the severity of the paralysis (evaluated by electrophysiological tests) and radiological resolution appeared to lag behind clinical resolution.

The enhancement pattern in the Bell’s palsy group corroborates that the segments most often involved in Bell’s palsy are the segments that are most often enhanced with Gad.MRI.

Thus, section contrast enhanced MRI scans are recommended for individuals with recurrent, atypical presentation of facial paralysis.

In the proper clinical setting, contrast–enhanced MRI may permit a positive radiological diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, which has previously been a diagnosis of exclusion, and excludes the possibility of associated facial nerve neoplasms.