[Treatment of idiopathic peripheral facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy)].
Bell's palsy is defined as an idiopathic peripheral facial nerve paralysis of sudden onset. It affects 11-40 persons per 100,000 per annum. Many patients recover without intervention; however, up to 30% have poor recovery of facial muscle control and experience facial disfigurement. The aim of this study was to make an overview of which pharmacological treatments have been used to improve outcomes. The available evidence from randomized controlled trials shows significant benefit from treating Bell's palsy with corticosteroids but shows no benefit from antivirals.
Øre-næse-halskirurgisk og Audiologisk Klinik, Rigshospitalet, Afsnit 2071, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. martinwmeyer@hotmail.com
Martin Willy
MW
Meyer
Christoffer Holst
CH
Hahn
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D011239:Prednisolone