Study Reveals Gender Differences in Bell's Palsy Prognosis and Recovery Factors

"Milder initial facial paralysis and favorable electromyography (EMG) findings were linked to improved prognosis in both men and women with Bell's palsy. However, younger age at onset and early steroid treatment significantly enhanced recovery rates in women, but not in men," the researchers reported.

Bell's palsy is commonly treated with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve, improving the chances of recovery. While numerous studies have examined the clinical characteristics and factors influencing treatment outcomes of Bell's palsy, few have specifically focused on gender differences. To address this gap, Seung Geun Yeo, Department of Convergence Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea, and colleagues investigated whether the clinical features, treatment outcomes, and the factors influencing them vary between men and women with Bell's palsy.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective study involving 1,708 patients (791 men and 917 women) who presented with facial palsy at the otolaryngology department between January 1986 and December 2022. They analyzed and compared the clinical features and treatment outcomes of men and women diagnosed with Bell's palsy.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

• Age distribution, side affected by facial palsy, House-Brackmann (HB) grade, underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, electroneuronography (ENoG) results, EMG results, and treatment methods did not differ significantly between men and women with Bell's palsy.
• Milder initial facial palsy and better EMG results were significantly associated with a better prognosis in men.
• Younger age, milder initial facial palsy, and better EMG results were significantly associated with a better prognosis in women.
• Women had a significantly better prognosis than men when treated with steroids within 3 days of the onset of paralysis.

These findings have important implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to managing Bell's palsy. Understanding the factors that influence recovery in men and women can help clinicians tailor treatment strategies to maximize each patient's recovery potential. It also highlights the importance of public awareness about the condition, encouraging individuals to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing symptoms such as sudden facial weakness or paralysis.

"The study provides valuable insights into the role of gender, age, and early treatment in the prognosis of Bell's palsy. By identifying key predictors of recovery and recognizing gender-specific differences, it paves the way for more effective and individualized care for patients affected by this condition," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Yon, D. K., Kim, D., Yoo, M. C., Kim, S. S., Rim, H. S., Kim, S. H., Byun, J. Y., & Yeo, S. G. A Retrospective Study on the Gender Differences in Clinical Manifestations of Bell's Palsy. Clinical Otolaryngology. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.14259