Vestibular involvement in Bell's palsy.

Vestibular involvement in the acute phase of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) was observed in 22 percent and 14 patients. These patients were evaluated by history, physical examination and caloric tests with electronystagmography (ENG) employing the Cawthorne-Hallpike technique. Bell's palsy has been considered a mononeuropathy limited to the facial nerve. Evidence of occasional involvement of other cranial nerves (Vth and/or VIIIth) suggests a polyneuropathy. Several theories have been advanced to explain the involvement of the vestibular nerve.