EVALUATING FACIAL PARALYSIS - EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC-TESTS ARE OFTEN UNNECESSARY

In most cases, the cause of facial paralysis can be determined on the basis of the clinical evaluation, and expensive diagnostic rests can b e avoided. Because Bell's palsy is not always the cause, physicians ne ed to be able to identify critical findings on history and physical ex amination that indicate an alternative diagnosis. Once identified, the se findings can lead to a specific and directed evaluation.