Identifying Blood Biomarkers to Predict Recovery in Adults with Severe Bells Palsy Using Mass Spectrometry Proteomic Analysis

What this Trial Is About

Bells palsy is a common cause of facial paralysis caused by inflammation of the facial nerve, possibly due to herpesvirus reactivation. This condition is usually treated with corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, and physiotherapy. Severe cases can lead to lasting facial movement problems or spasms that greatly impact quality of life. This study aims to find blood biomarkers that can predict how well adults with severe Bells palsy will recover, helping to guide treatment decisions such as surgery. The study involves collecting blood samples from adult patients with severe Bells palsy at two time points early in their illness. These samples will be analyzed using mass spectrometry to measure 125 different proteins that may relate to inflammation or nerve damage. The study will track the patients facial movement recovery over three months, aiming to identify biomarkers linked to recovery patterns and severity. Routine clinical exams, hearing tests, MRI scans, and facial grading will also be part of the study visits. Participants will attend four visits over three months, beginning with clinical assessments and blood sampling. They will be monitored for facial movement recovery using established grading scales. Researchers will analyze the blood biomarkers to see how well they predict recovery at three months. Safety and treatment response will be followed, and the study will create a blood sample collection for future research. The total participation time for each patient is approximately three months.

Screening for Prognostic Biomarkers of Severe Bell's Palsy in Adults