DIABETES MELLITUS AND BELL'S PALSY IN IRANIAN POPULATION

During last decades many researchers have focused on the conditions associated with Bell''s palsy including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and viral infections. This study was performed to evaluate correlation of diabetes mellitus and Bell''s palsy and some relevant features not discussed in the literature in an Iranian population. The presence of diabetes mellitus was evaluated in a total number of 275 subjects (75 patients with Bell''s palsy and 200 control subjects). Diabetes mellitus was noted in 10 (13.3%) patients with Bell''s palsy among which 6 case were diagnosed as new cases of diabetes. Previous history of Bell''s palsy was present in 10.67% of the subjects with Bell''s palsy. Symptoms of other cranial nerves revealed higher figures in Bell''s palsy patients with underlying diabetes. Such studies in developing countries may reveal some unknown features of the disease. This study confirms the correlation of diabetes mellitus and Bell''s palsy for the first time in an Iranian population. The results also suggest that diabetic patients with Bell''s palsy suffer from more cranial nerve symptoms. We offer screening tests of diabetes as a routine process in the management of Bell''s palsy especially in developing countries.