Idiopathic facial nerve = Bell’s Palsy

Varicella zoster virus infection of facial nerve = Ramsay-Hunt snydrome

See OSCE notes: Bell’s palsy management

<aside> ⚠️ If vesicles are seen in the ipsilateral ear, varicella zoster virus infection of the facial nerve (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome) is the probable cause—treat with prednis(ol)one as below, plus an antiviral drug

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• Missed questions
• 🍒What is the management for Bell palsy?
• 🍒If facial nerve palsy has atypical features (eg bilateral involvement) or recovery is prolonged, refer for magnetic resonance imaging and expert review to exclude other diagnoses