Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship among blink reflex, facial nerve electroneurography and functional lesion at the early stage of Bell's palsy. Methods Blink reflex and electroneurography of facial nerve were performed in 25 patients with early Bell's palsy.They were divided into mild to moderate damage and severe damage according to the result. They were evaluated by House-Blackmann (H-B) scale and were identified: grade I, normal; grade II-III, mild-moderate facial paralysis; grade IV-VI, severe facial paralysis. Results The positive rate of blink reflex was 100%, with the proportion of mild- moderate damage was 28% and severe damage was 72%. H-B scale evaluation showed the percentage of mild-moderate facial paralysis was 44%, severe facial paralysis was 56%, which was consistent with blink reflex (P>0.05). The positive rate of electroneurography was 52%, with the proportion of mild- moderate damage was 44% and severe damage was 8%, which was inconsistent with H-B scale evaluation (P<0.05). Conclusion Blink reflex is preferable to electroneurography in evaluating facial paralysis degree at the early stage of Bell's palsy.

Key words: Bell's palsy, blink reflex, electroneurography, facial nerve