Is the width of the labyrinthine portion of the fallopian tube implicated in the pathophysiology of Bell's palsy?: a prospective clinical study using computed tomography.

Objectives/hypothesis: The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying Bell's palsy remain obscure, despite the extensive relevant research. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have strongly indicated that facial nerve edema cannot be regarded as the sole etiologic factor, because it might persist long after full clinical recovery, or might be demonstrated in the clinically unaffected side or healthy controls. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that a narrow facial canal might be implicated in the pathophysiology of Bell's palsy.