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Antiviral agents convey added benefit over steroids alone in Bell's palsy; decompression should be considered in patients who are not recovering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2015

J A De Ru ,
P A Brennan  and
E Martens
J A De Ru*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands
P A Brennan
Affiliation:
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Portsmouth, UK
E Martens
Affiliation:
Statisticor, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
*
Address for correspondence: Dr J A de Ru, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital ‘Dr A Mathijsen’, Lundlaan 1, 3584EZ Utrecht, the Netherlands E-mail: j.a.deru@umcutrecht.nl
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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.

Method:

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.

Conclusion:

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.

Keywords

Antiviral AgentsFacial NerveTreatment OutcomeDrug TherapyHuman
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 4 , April 2015 , pp. 300 - 306
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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