Drug Management of Bell's Palsy: A Review

Sanya Gupta | Dr. Puja Bansal ^[7] | Dr. Deepak Bhargava ^[5]

Abstract: Bell's Palsy, also called as Facial Palsy, is a common cranial neuropathy of the 7th cranial nerve that causes acute unilateral motor neuron facial paralysis. Infective, immune and ischaemic mechanisms are all common causes, but the precise cause of Bell's Palsy remains unclear. The condition may occur at any age, the median age being 40 years. It is more common in diabetic patients and has no specific sex predilection. Symptoms include unilateral facial muscle paralysis with no neurologic abnormalities which usually peaks in the first week and then gradually resolve over three weeks to three months. Approximately 70 - 80% patients recover spontaneously without any treatment. However, it is recommended to take a seven day course of acyclovir or valacyclovir and a tapering course of prednisone, initiated within three days of the onset of symptoms.

Keywords: Bell's Palsy, idiopathic, paralysis, corticosteroids, combination therapy

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022,

Pages: 889 - 892