Differential Diagnoses for Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy. Other causes of acute facial paralysis account for an estimated 25% to 40% of facial palsy presentations, so non-idiopathic etiologies must be considered when evaluating facial weakness. [1]
Tumor-Related Facial Nerve Palsy
- Vestibular schwannoma. [1]
- Head and neck tumors. [1]
Iatrogenic Injury-Related Facial Nerve Palsy
- Iatrogenic injuries are listed among common non-idiopathic causes of facial paralysis. [1]
Herpes Zoster-Related Facial Nerve Palsy
- Herpes zoster involving the facial nerve is a common alternative diagnosis to Bell’s palsy. [1]
Trauma-Related Facial Nerve Palsy
- Trauma is listed among common non-idiopathic causes of facial paralysis. [1]
Non-Idiopathic Facial Palsy Workup Considerations
- Facial paralysis is described as potentially idiopathic or secondary, with emphasis that an accurate differential diagnosis is essential because many cases are not idiopathic. [1]