The orbicularis oculi reflex (OOR) can be implemented as a functional
test of the facial nerve. We examined correlations between the early R
1 component and prognosis in Bell's palsy in 42 patients within 14 day
s of onset of paresis and after at least 6 months. Findings were grade
d according to a clinical score and a subjective self-assessment scale
. In the case of normal R1 components, all patients achieved excellent
results in the clinical score as well as on self-assessment. In cases
with pathological latencies, 95% of the patients attained excellent r
esults in the paresis index, and 80% in the defect index. On self-asse
ssment, 85% reached the same favourable results. Patients with loss of
Rf response still showed 88.9% favourable results in the paresis inde
x and 61.1 % in the defect index as well as 88.9% on self-assessment.
Normal R1 responses of the OOR indicate excellent prognosis at a time
when electroneurographic alterations may not yet be detectable.