[Bell's facial paralysis. Study with magnetic resonance and gadolinium].

The facial never was investigated by gadolinium-enhanced MR in 7 patients diagnosed as Bell's Palsy. All cases showed complete facial paralysis, and were studied on the acute phase of the disease. Most Bell's palsy patients demonstrate facial nerve enhancement, usually in the tympanic and labyrinthine segments. No gadolinium enhancement on the opposite facial never was seen in this serie. Because Gad-MR does not appear to influence the therapeutic decision, it may not be necessary in the management of Bell's Palsy.