study of aetiology and associated topodiagnostic and electrodiagnostic tests among subjects with lower motor neuron facial palsy

Background : Lower motor neuron (LMN) facial palsy is a very common clinical occurrence with an estimated incidence of 20 to 30 per 100,000 population. LMN facial palsy is commonly encountered by Otorhinolaryngologists, internal medicine practitioners and Neurologists alike. Being a mixed nerve, it’s paralysis can lead to mechanical impairment and emotional, social implications. Objective: To study the topodiagnostic and electrodiagnostic tests  associated  with Lower Motor Neuron Facial palsy  among the study subjects. Methodology : The present cross sectional study conducted by the Department of otorhinolaryngology, neurology, neurosurgery , Pediatric and General Medicine Departments at JSS Medical College and Hospital Mysore  from  October 2015 to  September 2017. A total of 155 study subjects were enrolled for the purpose of the study during the study period  who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the purpose of the study . Results : Bell’s palsy was the most common etiology identified with 101 cases, 65.2%% of the individuals, followed by Ramsay Hunt syndrome with 12 cases, 7.7%, followed by traumatic and delayed facial palsy. Iatrogenic and delayed facial palsy was seen in 5 individuals, 3.2%.Pregnant and post partum patients were 3, 1.9%.