The most common cause of unilateral lower motor neurone facial palsy in clinical practice is:
- A Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- B Acoustic neuroma
- C Bell's palsy ✓
- D Parotid malignancy
Correct answer: C. Bell's palsy
Explanation
Bell's palsy (idiopathic peripheral facial palsy, attributed to HSV-1 reactivation causing nerve oedema and ischaemia in the Fallopian canal) is the most common cause of unilateral LMN facial palsy, accounting for 60–75% of all cases. Most patients recover fully with oral prednisolone and antiviral therapy. Complete paralysis at onset and failure to recover by 3 months indicate a worse prognosis.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.