Corticosteroids for Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis)

Salinas RA, Alvarez G, Ferreira J

Summary

There is insufficient evidence about the effects of corticosteroids for people with Bell's palsy, although their anti-inflammatory effect might prevent nerve damage.

Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of muscles in the face, usually on one side, with no certain cause. Usually people recover, although some do not. Corticosteroid drugs are anti-inflammatory. Bell's palsy is caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. Reducing the inflammation should limit nerve damage. However, the review found that more trials are needed to find out if corticosteroids aid recovery from Bell's palsy. One trial, with 551 participants, comparing prednisolone with acyclovir with both and with neither has just been published and will be included in an update of this review.