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Bell's palsy - Management
When should I refer to secondary care?
- Refer urgently to neurology or to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) if there is:
- Any doubt regarding the diagnosis.
- Recurrent Bell's palsy.
- Bilateral Bell's palsy.
- If the cornea remains exposed after attempting to close the eyelid, refer urgently to ophthalmology.
- If the paralysis shows no sign of improvement after 1 month, refer urgently to ENT.
- If there is residual paralysis after 6–9 months, consider referral to a plastic surgeon with a special interest in facial reconstructive surgery.
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