Read up on Bell's palsy treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Bell's palsy

Key points about treatments

Most people completely recover from Bell's palsy whether or not they have treatment. We don't know for sure if treatment can help you get better sooner or stop you from getting long-term problems. But you may have a better chance of recovering completely if you take steroid and antiviral pills.

More than 7 in 10 people get back to normal within three weeks, with or without treatment.
If you do have treatment, a course of steroid pills and antiviral pills together probably works best. The proper name for this type of steroid is corticosteroid.
We don't know if taking either steroid pills or antiviral pills on their own works for Bell's palsy.
The pills work better if you start taking them within three days of getting Bell's palsy.
Some people have physical therapy or an operation to relieve the pressure on the facial nerve. But we don't know how well these work. Surgery also has serious risks.

This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.