In this guideline “ Evidence-based guideline update: Steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy ” practice parameter regarding the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of steroids and antiviral agents for Bell palsy are demonstrated. Bell palsy is an acute, peripheral facial paresis of unknown cause. Usually the diagnosis is established without difficulty. Up to 30% of patients with Bell palsy fail to recover facial function completely.
The disease is common, with an annual incidence of 20 per 100,000. Thus, thousands of patients with Bell palsy are left with permanent, potentially disfiguring facial weakness each year. For patients with new-onset Bell palsy, does treatment with steroids or antiviral agents (acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir) improve facial functional recovery? Studies determined facial functional outcomes after at least 3 months of follow-up in at least 20 patients…
