Which of the following options is also known as Bell's palsy?

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Bell's palsy is defined as an acute, idiopathic paralysis of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII).
Since it results in the paralysis of facial muscles, it is a form of facial palsy.
The term 'facial palsy' is a broader category, and Bell's palsy is the most common cause within this category.

Option B: Klumpke's palsy affects the lower brachial plexus (C8-T1 nerve roots), causing paralysis of the hand and wrist, not the face.
Option C: Brachial palsy is a general term for injury to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves supplying the arm. It does not specifically refer to facial paralysis.
Option D: Erb's palsy involves the upper brachial plexus (C5-C6 nerve roots), leading to paralysis of the shoulder and arm muscles, resulting in a 'waiter's tip' posture, not facial weakness.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonyms and differential diagnosis of peripheral nerve palsies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing priority for patients with Bell's palsy is protecting the affected eye from drying out, which can lead to corneal abrasions or ulcers. This involves using artificial tears, lubricating ointments, and taping the eye shut during sleep.
Nurses must be able to differentiate between peripheral facial palsy (like Bell's) and central facial palsy (from a stroke). The key sign is forehead involvement; if the patient can wrinkle their forehead, a stroke is more likely, requiring immediate medical escalation.
Patient reassurance is a vital nursing intervention. The sudden and altered appearance from Bell's palsy can be very distressing. Informing the patient that most people experience significant or complete recovery can help alleviate anxiety.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Bell's palsy'.
Understand what Bell's palsy is: a condition causing paralysis of the facial muscles.
Read the options and look for a synonym or a term that accurately describes paralysis of the face.
Option A, 'Facial palsy', is a direct description of the condition's main feature.
Evaluate the other options (Klumpke's, Brachial, Erb's palsy) and recognize that they relate to the brachial plexus and affect the arm and hand, not the face.
Conclude that 'Facial palsy' is the correct alternative name for Bell's palsy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Synonyms and differential diagnosis of peripheral nerve palsies.
Stem keywords: Bell's palsy
Lead-in keywords: also known as
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 pp. 1458-1460, 1459-1461

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1714-1716

Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.