[Arguments against the pharmacotherapy of Bells' palsy].
Bell's palsy is the most frequent type of peripheral facial paresis. Its cause is unknown. The prognosis is good in 85% of patients. Based on theories about its pathogenesis, antivirals and corticosteroids have been tried. In 6 studies with antivirals and 9 with corticosteroids (most ofthe studies were methodologically flawed), the efficacy of these treatments was not demonstrated.
Portegies
P
P
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, afd. Neurologie, Postbus 95.500, 1090 HM Amsterdam. p.portegies@olvg.nl
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000998:Antiviral Agents