The House-Brackmann grading system for facial nerve function classifies a patient with moderate dysfunction — obvious weakness with noticeable but not disfiguring difference between sides, complete eye closure with effort, and slight weakness of mouth movement — as grade:
- A Grade II
- B Grade III ✓
- C Grade IV
- D Grade V
Correct answer: B. Grade III
Explanation
House-Brackmann Scale: Grade I = normal; Grade II = slight dysfunction (close eye easily, slight asymmetry); Grade III = moderate dysfunction (obvious asymmetry, complete closure with effort, some forehead movement); Grade IV = moderately severe (incomplete eye closure, no forehead movement, asymmetric mouth); Grade V = severe (barely perceptible movement); Grade VI = total paralysis. Grade III is often described as the 'moderate' category and is used as the threshold for considering surgical decompression in Bell's palsy.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.