Antiviral Won't Improve Bell's Palsy Outcome

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In the new study, the Scottish team looked at 496 Bell's palsy patients who were randomly assigned to receive 10 days of one of four treatment regimens: prednisolone; acyclovir; both drugs in combination; or a placebo.

Acyclovir (brand name Zovimax) is widely used to treat genital herpes. According to Gilden, a course of prednisolone costs about $10, compared to $200 for the antiviral drug.

After nine months, 94 percent of those who took prednisolone had recovered, compared to 85 percent of those who took acyclovir. Ninety-three percent of those who took both drugs got better.

Typically, 75 percent to 80 percent of those who take no drugs get better, lead author Sullivan said.

In essence, the study looks at whether patients with Bell's palsy should take antivirals in addition to the steroid, and the answer is that "you probably don't," Gilden said.

More information

Learn more about Bell's palsy from the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.