Treatment of Bell's Palsy: An Analysis of the Available Studies

In this paper the basic requirements for a clinical therapeutic trial in Bell's palsy are discussed. The available therapeutic studies are analysed in view of these requirements. The following conclusions seem justified: (1) Galvanic stimulation has not been proved to lead to a better recovery. (2) There is no evidence that decornpression of the mastoid part of the facial nerve in the second or third week has a positive effect. Whether surgery at an earlier stage or decompression of the complete intra-temporal part of the nerve is effective, has not yet been studied. (3) There is no convincing proof that prednisone administration up to a daily dose of 60–80 mg during the first days has any effect.