Idiopathic facial paralysis

Idiopathic facial nerve paralysis, facial neuritis (also known as Bell's palsy), refers to peripheral facial paralysis caused by an acute non-specific inflammation of the facial nerve in the facial nerve tube. Facial neuritis is mainly of two types: Bell's palsy and Knee ganglion syndrome (Ramsay Hunt syndrome). The cause of Bell's palsy is not fully understood at this time, but tends to be attributed to a neurotropic virus. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the shingles virus.