How is Bell's palsy treated?

In over 80 percent of cases, Bell’s palsy disappears on its own. This recovery process typically begins within three weeks of the disease’s onset and is complete after two to three months. while symptoms improve, a small amount of subtle facial paralysis or movement irregularity may remain. In less than 20 percent of cases, symptoms of Bell’s palsy do not get better.

Your ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) may have you use eye lubricants or eyedrops to prevent complications. Be sure that you carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about eyedrops or other treatments. This is important because when your eyelid cannot close properly, your eye becomes vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and other problems.

In some cases, your ophthalmologist (perhaps in collaboration with your primary care physician or internist) may prescribe drugs called corticosteroids or antivirals to assist the healing process.

Most cases of Bell's palsy improve on its own over a few weeks or months, but it may be different if your immune system is not normal. Facial massage is good if it makes your face feel better, but it generally does not make a difference in recovery. Some practitioners use nerve stimulation, but that is also of questionable value.

Most individuals suffering from Bell's palsy recover fully with or without treatment. Courses of treatment may include steroid medications, antiviral medications, and massage.

• Antiviral medications: Prescription antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax®) and famciclovir (Famvir®), may limit or reduce damage to the nerve from some viral causes. Side effects of these medicines may include nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
• Eye protection: Bell's palsy commonly affects the eyes. An important factor in treatment is eye protection. Bell's palsy can interrupt the eyelid's natural blinking ability, leaving the eye exposed to irritation and drying. Therefore, keeping the eye moist and protecting the eye from debris and injury, especially at night, is important. Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears or eye ointments or gels (including Visine Tears®, Artificial Tears®, and Lacri-lube®), and eye patches, which help protect the eye, are also effective.
• Massage: Facial massage may help prevent permanent problems with paralyzed muscles before recovery takes place. Facial massages may help to relax facial muscles and help relax the individual. Individuals suffering the effects of Bell's Palsy need to be advised to relax more to relieve the stress that may cause this disease.
• Steroid medications: A short course of prescription corticosteroid (steroid) medications, such as prednisone (Deltasone®), may reduce inflammation and swelling in the narrow, bony channel through which the facial nerve travels. Side effects of steroids include weight gain, edema (fluid buildup), and stomach upset.
• Surgery: Surgical procedures to decompress and realign the facial nerve have been attempted, but have not been proven beneficial. There are serious risks involved with surgical procedures to the facial nerves. The most common complications are hearing loss and damage to the facial nerve, which can be permanent. On rare occasions, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to reduce deformities and correct some damage, such as an eyelid that will not fully close or a crooked smile.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.