Oral Steroids Improve Bell Palsy Recovery

New AAN Guideline Evaluates Bell Palsy Treatments

Read the new practice guideline

Oral steroids can improve the likelihood of full facial recovery in people with new-onset Bell palsy, according to “Evidence-based Guideline Update:  Steroids and Antivirals for Bell Palsy,” that was published electronically ahead of print on November 7, 2012, and appears in the November 27, 2012, issue of Neurology®. The efficacy of oral steroids is supported by well-designed, high-quality studies.

Efficacy of Antiviral Therapy Questionable

Antiviral therapy alone has not been shown in well-designed studies to increase the likelihood of full facial recovery. Physicians might offer antiviral drugs as an addition to oral steroid treatment, but they should inform their patients that a benefit from this drug combination has not been strongly demonstrated by well-designed studies. Patients also should be informed that if there is an added benefit of combination therapy even in severe cases, it will be marginal at best. 

Read the guideline and access PDF summaries for clinicians and patients, a slide presentation, and a clinical example. For more information, contact Julie Cox at jcox@aan.com or (612) 928-6069.