title: Antiviral agents convey added benefit over steroids alone in Bell's palsy; decompression should be considered in patients who are not recovering.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of Bell's palsy has been the subject of much debate, with corticosteroids being the preferred medication. However, evidence also supports the use of antiviral drugs for severe cases and even decompression surgery in patients who, despite medical treatment, are not recovering.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was conducted on the management of Bell's palsy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This paper describes the background, statistical evidence, study results and pathophysiological theories that support more aggressive treatment for patients with severe palsy and those who have inadequate recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combination therapy including antiviral medication significantly improves outcomes in patients with severe Bell's palsy. Decompression should be considered in patients who have not recovered with drug treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery,Central Military Hospital,Utrecht,the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: De Ru
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,University of Portsmouth,UK.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.affiliation: Statisticor,Rotterdam,the Netherlands.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martens
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000998:Antiviral Agents
keywords: Human