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The possible contributing factors for the success of steroid therapy in Bell's Palsy: a clinical and electrophysiological study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Tarek S. Shafshak ,
Aymen Y. Essa  and
Fathy A. Bakey
Tarek S. Shafshak*
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
Aymen Y. Essa
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
Fathy A. Bakey
Affiliation:
Department of Otology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
*
Tarek S. Shafshak, M.D., Sidi Gaber, PO Box 41, Alexandria 21311, Egypt.
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Abstract

Incomplete recovery from Bell's palsy was observed in some patients even after the intake of corticosteroids. This prospective study was performed on 160 patients with unilaterial nonrecurrent Bell's palsy in order to investigate the role of prednisolone on the prognosis of Bell's palsy. Ninety-three patients were given prednisolone tablets (1 mg/kg body wt/day up to 70 mg) for six successive days, then the dose was reduced gradually over the next four days. The remaining 67 patients were not given prednisolone (control group). Facial nerve recovery was assessed clinically and electrophysiologically for up to one year. The results of this study suggested that the most probable contributing factor for the success of prednisolone in improving the prognosis of Bell's palsy was its early intake (within the first 24 hours following onset).

Keywords

Facial paralysisAdrenal cortex hormonesPrednisolone
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 108 , Issue 11 , November 1994 , pp. 940 - 943
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

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