Pathology · single question
A patient with Bell's palsy (unilateral facial paralysis and drooping). What should the dentist do for this patient?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Refer to an oral surgeon
Bell's palsy is idiopathic unilateral facial nerve (CN VII) palsy. While many cases do resolve spontaneously within weeks, the dentist's role is NOT to diagnose or observe alone — the patient should be REFERRED to their physician or neurologist for: (1) Confirmation of diagnosis (rule out stroke, tumor, Ramsay Hunt, Lyme disease); (2) Treatment with corticosteroids and/or antivirals if appropriate; (3) Eye protection assessment. An oral surgeon alone is not the appropriate primary referral — a physician/neurologist is needed.
- A. INCORRECT. Psychiatric referral is not appropriate — Bell's palsy is a neurological condition, not a psychological one.
- B. INCORRECT. Telling the patient it will resolve on its own without any specialist referral or workup is inappropriate. Bell's palsy requires diagnosis and evaluation to exclude serious conditions (stroke, tumor) and proper treatment.
- C. CORRECT (per source). Per the source document, referral to the oral surgeon/specialist is indicated. Clinically, referral to a physician/neurologist is the standard of care to rule out serious causes and initiate treatment.