title: Bell's palsy in children: role of the school nurse in early recognition and referral.
abstract: Bell's palsy is the most common condition affecting facial nerves. It is an acute, rapidly progressing, idiopathic, unilateral facial paralysis that is generally self-limiting and non-life threatening that occurs in all age groups (Okuwobi, Omole, & Griffith, 2003). The school nurse may be the first person to assess facial palsy and muscle weakness in children. Because facial palsy and muscle weakness may be an indicator of a serious or life threatening condition, the school nurse plays a critical role in early recognition and referral. The Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Form is presented as a tool designed to assist school nurses in recognizing children with facial muscle weakness and in determining whether a primary health care provider referral should be considered immediate or urgent.
authors.affiliation: Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Shirley C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Gordon
mesh_terms: D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012573:School Nursing