A meta-analysis which involved 709 patients, including 358 taking corticosteroids and 351 taking combination showed that adding antiviral agent to corticosteroids does not help in treating Bell’s palsy. According to the group of doctors from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, the meta-analysis proved that the complete recovery rate of facial motor function at three months after the initiation of therapy was not significantly different between the corticosteroids group and the combined therapy group.
The research team concluded that corticosteroids remain the available treatment for idiopathic Bell’s palsy.
From EurekAlert:
Adding an antiviral agent to corticosteroids for treatment of Bell’s palsy (a condition characterized by partial facial paralysis) is not associated with improved recovery of facial movement function, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies in the June issue of Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Current treatment choices for Bell’s palsy include corticosteroids, antiviral therapy or a combination of the two. John K. Goudakos, M.D., M.Sc., and Konstantinos D. Markou, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, identified randomized controlled trials comparing corticosteroids to combination therapy in patients with this condition published between 1996 and 2007.
However, the largest available randomized controlled trial published recently suggested a benefit from the use of corticosteroids in patients with idiopathic [of unknown cause] acute facial paralysis,” the authors conclude.
“Additional well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the potential value of antiviral addition to the recovery of facial palsy with more confidence. However, based on the currently available evidence, the addition of an antiviral agent to corticosteroids for the treatment of patients with Bell’s palsy is not justified.”
Bell’s palsy is a partial facial paralysis caused by damaged or swollen facial nerves which produce interruption in the muscle functions. The exact causes of such condition remain unknown.
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