Bell's Palsy vs CVA (Stroke)

Questions and Answers

Which feature typically distinguishes Bell's Palsy from a stroke regarding facial weakness distribution?

Affects only the upper half of the face.

Affects the entire side of the face, including the forehead. (correct)

Affects only the lower half of the face, sparing the forehead.

Affects both sides of the face equally.

What type of lesion is associated with Bell's Palsy?

Lower motor neuron lesion. (correct)

Brainstem lesion.

Peripheral nerve lesion.

Upper motor neuron lesion.

How does the onset of symptoms differ between Bell's Palsy and stroke?

Onset is typically gradual for both conditions.

Onset is gradual for stroke, sudden for Bell's Palsy.

Onset is gradual for Bell's Palsy, sudden for stroke. (correct)

Onset is sudden for both conditions.

Which associated symptom is more indicative of Bell's Palsy than a stroke?

Altered taste. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following risk factors is unique to CVA (stroke)?

Smoking. Signup and view all the answers

What type of diagnostic workup is typically required for a CVA (stroke)?

Imaging (CT/MRI) to confirm diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the prognosis for Bell's Palsy?

Symptoms often improve over weeks to months, with or without treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which ability is affected in Bell's Palsy but often preserved in stroke?

Ability to raise eyebrows. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of CVA (stroke) regarding its associated symptoms?

Includes other neurological deficits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Comparison of Bell's Palsy and Stroke (CVA)

Facial Weakness Distribution:
- Bell's Palsy affects the entire side of the face, including the forehead area.
- Stroke typically impacts only the lower half of the face while sparing the forehead.
Type of Lesion:
- Bell's Palsy results from a lower motor neuron lesion, affecting the facial nerve after it exits the brainstem.
- Stroke involves an upper motor neuron lesion in the facial nerve pathway within the brain.
Ability to Raise Eyebrows/Close Eyes:
- Patients with Bell's Palsy cannot raise their eyebrow or close their eye on the affected side.
- Individuals who have had a stroke can usually raise their eyebrows and close their eyes, with only the lower face being affected.
Onset of Symptoms:
- Symptoms of Bell's Palsy develop gradually over several hours to a couple of days.
- Stroke symptoms appear suddenly, within seconds to minutes.
Associated Symptoms:
- Bell's Palsy may present with ear pain, altered taste, hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound), or changes in tear and saliva production.
- Stroke frequently causes additional neurological deficits, such as limb weakness, difficulties with speech, or visual disturbances.
Risk Factors:
- Risk factors for Bell's Palsy include viral infections, pregnancy, diabetes, and recent upper respiratory infections.
- Stroke risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or previous strokes.
Diagnostic Workup:
- Bell's Palsy is mainly diagnosed clinically; imaging is seldom required unless the presentation is atypical.
- Stroke diagnosis necessitates imaging (such as CT or MRI) to confirm the condition and guide treatment.
Course and Prognosis:
- Symptoms of Bell's Palsy often improve within weeks to months, either with or without intervention.
- The prognosis for stroke patients is dependent on rapid treatment; delays can result in lasting neurological deficits.

Description

This quiz explores the differences between Bell's Palsy and cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), focusing on clinical features, lesion types, and effects on facial movements. Participants will discover crucial distinctions that aid in diagnosis and understanding of these conditions.