The majority of those afflicted with bell palsy experience neurapraxia or a local nerve conduction block, which usually predicts a prompt and full recovery. 80% to 90% of Bell Palsy patients experience recovery without any noticeable disfigurement within 6 weeks to 3 months.
Some Bell Palsy patients experience axonotmesis, disruption of the axons, which increases their risk of an incomplete recovery.
One is at higher risk of developing sequelae in the following scenarios:
-- Age greater than 60 years
-- Diabetes
-- Decreased taste or salivary flow on the affected side
-- Complete paralysis
Common post-Bell Palsy sequelae that you may see clinically include:
-- Synkinesis - abnormal contracture of facial muscles with smiling or
closing eyes; may cause slight chin movement with blinking, eye closure
with smiling, contracture around mouth with blinking.
-- Crocodile tears - lacrimation while eating.
-- Hemifacial muscle spasms - tonic contractures of affected side of face,
rare, often seen during times of fatigue, stress, or while sleeping.
